The Stanley Clarke Band
Stanley Clarke · 2010
63 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B
A fusion of intricate jazz melodies and rhythmic funk grooves, driven by Clarke's virtuoso bass lines and creative arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Soldier Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its powerful bass riffs and emotive themes, reflecting Clarke's deep engagement with both musicianship and message.
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I Wanna Play for You Too — This track highlights Clarke's ability to blend lyrical melodies with complex rhythmic structures, showcasing his skill in creating accessible yet sophisticated music.
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Sonny Rollins — An homage to the legendary saxophonist, this track features expansive improvisation that demonstrates Clarke's respect for jazz traditions while pushing boundaries.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and strong musicianship, appealing to both jazz and funk audiences.
What we noticed
- Clarke's bass lines are prominent throughout, often taking the lead melody while other instruments provide harmonic support.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, creating a dynamic interplay that engages the listener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration with resolution
- wave-like pacing throughout tracks
- immersive headphone detail hunting
- engaging storytelling through composition
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, fast-paced music
- seek short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — This album showcases Clarke's artistry and earned critical acclaim in his established career.
- Themes
- jazz fusion legacy· homage to Sonny Rollins· emotive bass narratives
- Career context
- In 2010, Stanley Clarke was already an established figure in jazz, celebrated for his pioneering work in jazz fusion. 'The Stanley Clarke Band' marked his return to the studio with a full ensemble after several years focused on solo projects and collaborations. This album continued to showcase his evolution as a bassist and composer, building on his legacy while introducing fresh elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Victor Wooten· Marcus Miller· George Duke
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Here's Why Tears Dry
The song shifts from reflective verses to a soaring chorus captures a sense of catharsis through its melodic resolution.
This structural contrast emphasizes emotional release, transforming personal sorrow into collective resilience through music.
Tracklist
- 1 Soldier Start here 7:07
- 2 Fulani 6:29
- 3 Here's Why Tears Dry 4:53
- 4 I Wanna Play for You Too 4:14
- 5 Bass Folk Song No. 10 3:41
- 6 No Mystery 7:09
- 7 How Is the Weather Up There? 5:55
- 8 Larry Has Traveled 11 Miles and Waited a Lifetime for the Return of Vishnu's Report 6:32
- 9 Labyrinth 5:57
- 10 Sonny Rollins 8:49
- 11 Bass Folk Song No. 6 (Mo Anam Cara) 2:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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