Music Pick: Stanley Clarke Band

Stanley Clarke Band
One World Theatre
April 14, Early Show: 7PM; Late Show: 9PM
by Derek Van Wagner
Does the name Stanley Clarke ring any bells? If not, how about Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, George Duke, Ronnie Wood or Stewart Copeland? Well Mr. Clarke has played bass with all of them. Unfortunately for most bass players, they typically stand just shy of the spotlight. However Stanley Clarke is an absolute legend. His techniques, phrasing and playing style have been instrumental in the modern sound of the bass (both acoustic and electric) and many notable bassists will admit they lifted something from the Clarke playbook.
Aside from Clarke influencing countless bass players over the course of his lifetime, the man still makes quality music. In 2011 he won a Grammy for best contemporary jazz album and continues to add to the 40+ album catalogue he has amassed over the past 50 years. Clarke can do it all, from his solo funk release “School Days” to his modern work with “Return to Forever,” he can weave through any genre as a true master of his craft. For any lover of jazz… or bass frequencies in general, seeing the Stanley Clarke Band within the intimate chambers of the One World Theatre will be something you will never forget.
Read more from the Outdoors Issue | April 2017