Stanley Clarke Trio – Jazz In The Garden

Stanley Clarke Trio – Jazz In The Garden – Album Review

Product Information, Audio Previews, Reviews and More On:
Stanley Clarke Trio – Jazz In The Garden

“Given bassist Stanley Clarke’s prowess in ensembles with Chick Corea (Return to Forever) and George Duke (Clarke/Duke Project), it’s surprising that he had never recorded an all-acoustic album in his nearly four-decade career. He makes up for that on his captivating sophomore Heads Up album, “Jazz in the Garden.” On his label debut, the 2007 “The Toys of Men,” Clarke delivered foot-tapping solo acoustic bass interludes, presaging this trio setting with longtime collaborator drummer Lenny White and newfound friend Hiromi, a simpatico pianist. What’s particularly impressive is how lyrical, funky, bluesy and swinging Clarke plays on originals, standards and improvised pieces, taking liberty to spotlight his instrument as the lead voice, whether soloing, crafting rhythmic grooves or building melody lines. Highlights: the impromptu Hiromi duet (“Global Tweak”), the bopping take on Duke Ellington’s “Take the Coltrane” and Clarke’s spirited/ reflective “Paradigm Shift (Election Day 2008).””