Standards

Performer: Stanley Clarke (Double Bass)
Producer: Jeffrey Weber; Suzanne Severini
Distributor: City Hall

Notes: Personnel: Stanley Clarke (upright bass); Patrice Rushen (piano); Leon "Ndugu" Chancler (drums). Originally released in 2001, this trio session featuring the bassist Stanley Clarke performing jazz and pop standards with the drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler and the pianist Patrice Rushen was re-mastered and reissued in 2006 with two extra tracks, plus a bonus 30-minute DVD containing interviews and four additional tracks. Clarke's first performance on acoustic bass in over two decades, the set features bop classics like "Now's the Time," and "Salt Peanuts," the post-bop "Jeru," and a stately version of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five," as well as jazzy standards like "Mack the Knife" and "Perdido." Clarke's nimble playing skillfully underpins Rushen's confident soloing, while Chancler's buoyant percussion frames and propels each piece. Bassist Stanley Clarke, one who has always made easy transitions between musical styles, focuses exclusively on standards for this 2001 session, accompanied by pianist Patrice Rushen and drummer Ndugu Chancler, recorded directly to two-track without overdubs or editing. Clarke is generous in sharing the spotlight, giving plenty of space to his fellow musicians. One of the obvious highlights is the brisk bossa nova setting of "Lover Man," which removes any of the plaintive message of its unheard lyrics. A rather avant-garde introduction disguises the introduction to a turbulent rendition of "Oleo." The explosive rendition of "Salt Peanuts" detours into a post-bop setting far from its roots, while the overly tense introduction to "Now's the Time" comes off as a bit pretentious. "Take Five" opens with a dark Latin vamp before its familiar theme emerges, showcasing Chancler but never sufficiently gaining momentum. A bonus DVD includes interview excerpts with the musicians during the session, along with some of the performances. This is a good CD that might have been even better with a day or two of rehearsal together. ~ Ken Dryden

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25