The Stanley Clarke Band | Up

The Stanley Clarke Band | Up
Mack Avenue Records
By Peggy Oliver

(Advance Review | CD to be released on Sept. 30th, 2014)

The more a musician sustains a career with a level of shear excellence, the bigger the increase of impressive musical colleagues at one’s disposal. At this point in his illustrious career, Stanley Clarke can thoroughly enjoy the fruits of his labor. In his association with jazz fusion pioneers Return to Forever and the rock fusion trio Animal Logic (though only for two albums), film and television soundtrack contributions (Soul Food, Romeo Must Die, i.e.) and collaborations with rock, pop, jazz and R&B’s elite, including George Duke, Clarke remains firm to his high integral artistry who has managed to balance the mainstream market in his forty-plus year journey. By the way, that youthful vitality surrounding this bass genius/multi-instrumentalist and composer runs higher than ever, while securing newer generations of talent for his touring ensembles. His latest effort, understandably entitled Up, Clarke employs present members of The Stanley Clarke Band, Beka Gochiashvili and Mike Mitchell (both teenagers) and the band’s alumni, Ruslan Sirota and Ronald Bruner, Jr. There are also plenty of energetic veterans joining the party, including long-time associates Chick Corea and Gerry Brown and studio session men Greg Phillinganes, Paul Jackson, Jr. and John Robinson.

Not surprisingly, jazz and rock fusion plays a dominant role throughout Up. Bass popping funk rules over “Pop Virgil” (inspired by Clarke’s grandfather) that gives props to a legendary funk master James Brown, as the bridge thrives on the guitar riffs of “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” “Gotham City” echoes Clarke’s affection and intricate details regarding superhero movies. The title track is anchored by the acoustic/electric bass and drum tandem of Clarke and Animal Logic colleague Stuart Copeland respectively, in a ska arrangement resurrecting Copeland’s The Police days. Clarke revisits an old fusion friend from 1975, “School Days.” Yet while this version remains true to the original take highlighted by speed defying bass licks, the inclusion is a bit unnecessary, considering he offers fresh compositional concepts such as “Last Train to Sanity,” a funky fusion train ride with The Harlem String Quartet as the focal point, guided by Clarke’s chugging acoustic and electric basses. One of many well-deserved homages to pianist Duke, “Brazilian Love Affair – Dedicated To George Duke,” reflects Duke’s respect for the Brazilian jazz-tinged pop of Milton Nascimento and Airto. Amongst a fair share of up-tempo tracks, there are several pieces reflecting Clarke’s poignant, yet passionate expressions.

The intimate mood behind “I Have Something to Tell You Tonight” centers around the exquisite interplay between saxophonist Kamasi Washington, pianist Sirota, and Clarke on electric bass. “La Cancian de Sofia,” the gentle tango dedicated to Clarke’s wife, teams the bassist and Corea in a 2013 live performance from Japan. Then there is Up’s piece de resistance with Clarke’s ongoing series of solo Bass Folk Songs: the best recalling his traditional jazz roots with Joe Henderson, Art Blakely and others, executed on an electric tenor bass and “Eleuthera Island,” transporting his acoustic bass into a fiery samba romp.

For those who still appreciate timeless fusion and Clarke’s extraordinary musicianship, Up provides the near perfect place. His expanding musical peers will also be grateful for such a youthful-fueled visionary who keeps the fusion and modern jazz flames burning. Four and three-quarter out of five stars.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene