I slept on Stankey Clark WAY too long

[Gopherbassist]

I discovered Stanley Clark on the internet something like 20 years ago. Back then you might just hear little clips of stuff, but whatever I heard made me think "that guy is really good." For some reason though, I didn't pursue listening to his music. Didn't buy any albums, didn't serach him out on YouTube as internet technology got faster, nothing.

I've had this interest in hearing his playing and music on the back burner for almost two decades. Recently this popped up on Amazon:

CLARKE,STANLEY - Original Album Classics - Amazon.com Music

CLARKE,STANLEY - Original Album Classics - Amazon.com Music

www.amazon.com

It made me realize, man, I've been putting Mr. Clark off for a long time, so I ordered it.

I had time this morning to listen to the first half of the first album, and dang it I've been missing out. I'd describe what I heard as jazz with a rock energy and just a hint of pop sensibility. It's really good, and I'm kicking myself for not jumping in earlier.

 

[ritz]

Maybe you can change the subject...

 

[jerry]

The first three recordings in that collection are prime Stanley and unabashed fusion!

 

[Michedelic]

Maybe you can change the subject...

I’ve always endeavored to put some stank on my playing.

 

[Michedelic]

I discovered Stanley Clark on the internet something like 20 years ago. Back then you might just hear little clips of stuff, but whatever I heard made me think "that guy is really good." For some reason though, I didn't pursue listening to his music. Didn't buy any albums, didn't serach him out on YouTube as internet technology got faster, nothing.

I've had this interest in hearing his playing and music on the back burner for almost two decades. Recently this popped up on Amazon:

CLARKE,STANLEY - Original Album Classics - Amazon.com Music

CLARKE,STANLEY - Original Album Classics - Amazon.com Music

www.amazon.com

It made me realize, man, I've been putting Mr. Clark off for a long time, so I ordered it.

I had time this morning to listen to the first half of the first album, and dang it I've been missing out. I'd describe what I heard as jazz with a rock energy and just a hint of pop sensibility. It's really good, and I'm kicking myself for not jumping in earlier.

Don’t overlook his time in Chick Corea’s Return To Forever, classic fusion era stuff(although I prefer the earlier period with Bill Connors on guitar), and there were a number of tours through the decades with Jeff Beck…

 

[DWBass]

Dunno about Stankey Clarke but Stanley Clarke is awesome. He had way more influence on me than Jaco.

 

[ardgedee]

He did a Tiny Desk Concert recently, it was a lot of fun and the band was tight.

 

[Leo Smith]

It's never too late to repent and find forgiveness

My intro was the "Live 1976-1977" album, released in '91. High-energy performances that make the studio versions seem tame. Also his work with Return To Forever was on a different level.

 

[bassbrad]

I am still being inspired by those records from Stanley Clarke. Lots of great memories tied up with those records. I had them all on Lp and later CD and now on my phone.

 

[Bob_Ross]

The first three recordings in that collection are prime Stanley and unabashed fusion!

I can't begin to imagine what my concept of bass playing would be like if I hadn't immersed myself in those first three albums shortly after they came out
...but most of his post-School Days albums strike me as compositionally weak and heavy on the "Look At Me!" athleticism. (And tbh I don't think School Days aged as well as Journey To Love or his eponymous album.)
Still, to have never done a deep dive into Stanley Clarke's music until 2025? OP is in for some hot fun, and some mind-blowing bass playing.

 

[kesslari]

I saw RTF in something like 1976 when I was young and impressionable. I was not yet playing bass but Jack Bruce, John Entwhistle, Phil Lesh, JPJ and Chris Squire were The Godz of Bass to me. Then I saw Stanley and the heavens truly opened. I had never heard bass playing like that.

 

[jerry]

I can't begin to imagine what my concept of bass playing would be like if I hadn't immersed myself in those first three albums shortly after they came out
...but most of his post-School Days albums strike me as compositionally weak and heavy on the "Look At Me!" athleticism. (And tbh I don't think School Days aged as well as Journey To Love or his eponymous album.)
Still, to have never done a deep dive into Stanley Clarke's music until 2025? OP is in for some hot fun, and some mind-blowing bass playing.

I agree about School days not being on par with his self titled and Journey To Love, back when those albums were.released I thought the song School Days was on of his weakest compositions at that time. I almost envy people discovering those albums for the first time, they blew my young rocker's mind at the time.
The guitar playing on those two albums by David Sancious and Bill Connors still.stand as the epitome of great fusion guitar to me, one foot in the feel and fire.of great rock players fused with the harmonic knowledge of a jazz cat.

 

[wjcstp]

If your Gopherbassist handle means you live in Minnesota, you just missed a chance to see him play at the Dakota a couple of weeks back. The Tinydesk concert already posted is good, you should also check out his '70s shows with Herbie Hancock, there are a few on YouTube.

 

[VJP]

Well if you start a Stanley tribute band you have your name, Stankey Clark.

 

[sunbeast]

My intro to Mr Clarke was the Chick Corea/ Return To Forever album "Light as a Feather" that a housemate of mine had on LP that got pinned a bunch in our living room back when I was mostly immersed in metal, prog, and lots of sludgy loud stuff. His playing definitely made a huge impression on me and though it didn't guide me to upright bass, that record did influence me to pick up my first fretless shortly after (an Ampeg AUB-1 that I definitely shouldn't have sold!) and brought my interests back to more melodic-centric music again.

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

Dunno about Stankey Clarke but Stanley Clarke is awesome. He had way more influence on me than Jaco.

Ahem, I think you meant to type "Jako" (or "Jaxo").

 

[BassicJazzy]

Saw RTF in Cleveland somewhere in late 70's, first and only time seeing Clarke perform but not my only time seeing Corea live. Clarke and Di Meola were the most dynamic fusion players I've ever witnessed, and I saw Mahavishnu several times. Granted, John blew my socks off, but I have never seen anyone handle a bass like Stanley. Incredible fluency and fluidity, those fingers spanned 7 frets, maybe more. I literally wept. Most beautiful music I ever heard live.

 

[packhowitzer]

I love Stankey Clark too!

 

[Element Zero]

Another player I’ve never looked into. I’ve seen videos of him soloing. Does nothing for me. I’d be VERY interested in hearing him be just a regular bass player playing low notes.

I kinda have the same feeling about Victor Wooten though he was a major influence on me in the 90’s when I started playing. His first few albums with The Flecktones were phenomenal to me because he taught me that a bass player needs to step out of the way of the other instruments and play a supportive role while adding in some nice little flourishes here and there where there’s space. But when it comes to soloing and notes a flurry, it gets tepid real quick.

 

[J Wilson]

A hugely talented and accomplished electric and upright bassist, composer and arranger. I'd have to say that a lot of what he does is over my head and out of my wheelhouse, but Good Gosh Amighty, I get slack-jawed watching and hearing him.