Stanley Clarke – The Toys Of Men

Stanley Clarke | “The Toys Of Men”. By Ian Cooke

With the release of “Toys of Men” Stanley Clarke examines the folly of war on
his latest Heads Up International CD available October 16th. One of the most
innovative electric bass players of the past three decades, Clarke utilizes his
talents with this new CD to examine the folly of war.

“If you study history, and the history of warfare, it boils down to some very
simple dynamics” says Clarke. “When there are disagreements and disputes
between countries, people always go back to their toys and how they can use them
to intimidate their adversaries. “There’s this basic belief, however flawed as
it might be , that the only way you’re really going to get what you want
is by conquering someone or something.”

Opening with the album’s title track-a six-part suite and the cornerstone that
opens the 13-song set that spans a range of moods- from dark and violent to the
uplifting and transcendent. The six part suite with its sum of all emotions
includes, fear, confusion, chaos and according to Clarke “all those things we
associate with war and destruction.”

“Jerusalem” written by Israel native keyboardist, Ruslan Sirota is a track with
gentle melody transcending the unrest that has plagued this revered Middle
Eastern city for thousands of years. Mention must be given to the nice acoustic
playing of Michael Landau on guitar.

Another highlight is “All Over Again” with lyrics written and sung by up-and
coming acoustic bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding. It’s a song about a
friend of Clarke’s who was forced to leave the U.S.-and the women he
loved-because of his immigration status. Clarke’s acoustic bass playing is
beautifully underplayed throughout this song.

“La Cancion de Sofia” is Clarke’s song to his wife. This Brazilian-flavored
song includes Mads Tolling on Violin and the subtle but infectious rhythms of
percussionist Paulhino da Costa.

For a artist known for his fiery electric bass riffs, throughout this project are a
mix of understated acoustic bass interludes. The quiet interludes offer a
glimmer of optimism in a moment of history that is plagued by war and global
unrest. Despite the occasionally bleak subject matter of “The Toys of Men”,
Clarke’s outlook remains generally optimistic.

Ian Cooke
The Urban Music Scene