Published on May 2, 1998
Jazz fusion can be a mixed bag; when it works, it captures the
thrill of both jazz and rock, but when it doesn’t, it sounds like a
watered down combination of both. This new compilation of Stanley
Clarke’s previous work, with two brand new songs added, has plenty
of examples of both good and bad fusion.
The CD starts off well with the excellent “School Days.” This
song starts off with a catchy bass riff amid some guitar squall
from Ray Gomez, then Clarke stretches out with some nice
improvising. Clarke also rocks on “Hello Jeff” and “Rock And Roll
Jelly” which feature former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck. These
two songs show that Clarke can more than handle a straight rock
bass line, although it is Beck who really dominates here.
The CD ends with a bang on the ambitious piece “Life Suite.”
There are four parts on what can be called a fusion symphony.
Clarke employs a brass and string section and features some nice
work by drummer Tony Williams. The first part brings the whole
orchestra together with a vocal by Clarke himself, the second part
has Clarke and Bill Connors in a fast and furious bass and guitar
duel, the third part is very funky and boasts some inventive bass
lines, and the fourth part brings back the orchestra on a variation
of the original theme.
However, the collection is dominated by funk-flavored tunes and
they are a mixed bag. “The Mothership Connection” is a nifty little
tribute to George Clinton and his band Parliament. “Silly Putty”
and “Hot Fun” are funky but also leave room to feature Clarke’s
playing. On the other hand, “We Supply” and “I Wanna Play For You”
are pretty lame, and not worthy of Clarke’s talents. “Wild Dog” is
a little better only because it is unexciting instead of tacky.
Even the two new tunes are a mixed bag. Both suggest that Clarke
has been listening to new age music quite a bit. “Lost In Thought”
is a pretty,melodic tune, but the lifeless “Between Love &
Magic” only proves that between love and magic, there is
boredom.
Another problem with
The Bass-ic Collection is not so much what is onit as what
is missing. I would have liked to have heard a sample of Clarke
doing straight jazz. Where, for example is his work with
saxophonist Wayne Shorter or violinist Jean-Luc Ponty? And why did
the people at Sony not add at least one cut from Clarke’s seminal
fusion band, Return To Forever?
While
The Bass-ic Collection has some choice cuts, there is just
way too much fat on it with its emphasis on bland pop. For a better
introduction to Clarke, I would suggest checking out his
School Days CD.