Wow….

[Bonecat]

Dug out some of my CDs to do some pleasant listening. Put on Return To Forever Returns. A live recording from 2008. All of them masters at the top of their game. Amazing. Stanley’s playing just leaves me stunned. Instantly recognizable and unique. This whole album is a treasure. You should listen to it, too!

 

[Bob_Ross]

Return To Forever Returns. A live recording from 2008.

I saw RTF on that 2008 reunion tour, at a modest sized theater in Washington Heights (northernmost Manhattan), NYC. They were absolutely at the top of their game, no rust or cobwebs on anyone's chops.

Stanley did a few things that night that I still can vividly remember...most impressively, there were a couple of moments where his improvised solos took on a piquant melodic bent that evinced a much more advanced harmonic knowledge than his usual athletic speedfests. It was like, "geez Stan, have you been hiding that musical sensetivity all these years...or practicing for all the decades since the last RTF concert?!?!" It's like his ears were bigger than they'd ever been in the 70s, 80s, or 90s. Maybe after several decades of playing with Chick Corea some of that wears off.

He also did this gimmicky schtick where he drums percussively on his bass without producing any pitches, that was kinda disappointing. I've seen him do that in a few more recent youtube videos. It just seems like pandering, showboating, with little musical value.

But all in all, great show. I didn't know they'd released an album from that tour until only a couple of days ago.

 

[bassbrad]

I saw the first show of that 2008 tour at the Paramount in Austin, 12th row center with a perfect view of my 4 favorite musicians. Their records and shows were always top of my list of must go and see. All of their collective shows and records were musts for me for many years, rarely a disappointment.

RTF remains among my favorite bands and Stanley Clarke is still my go to player for inspiration as an all complete bass player - impeccable supportive creative player, chops beyond any of my ability, always interesting soloist and own style of stage presence. Stanley set a very high bar being one very best in both categories of electric and acoustic bass which I also played. For years and years seeing an RTF, Stanley Clarke Band, Duke Clarke Band or other Stanley concerts were the highlight of concert going. I sought out as many recordings I could find and many are still regularly played for joy and inspiration. No matter the company he keeps his performance and presence is always memorable.

@Bob_Ross I completely agree with your opinion of the bass banging he has adopted as a bass player, but other always seem to find that interesting even other musicians _ go figure.

FWIW when we bought a new car with a premium sound system RTF's "Romantic Warrior" was our test disc. So my wife agrees.