Stanley Clarke’s latest Tiny Desk Concert is a breathtaking masterclass in fusion flair—pure poetry in motion. Recorded just last week in celebration of Black Music Month, Clarke revisits classic tunes like "School Days" and breathes fresh life into them with his impeccable technique on the Alembic bass—fat, articulate, full of sustain—while a tight ensemble adds lush viola and subtle percussion to weave each melodic thread.
Redditors in the r/Jazz community couldn’t stop raving about it:
“for the first time in a long time I am in love with a dude’s electric bass tone especially when he is up the neck slamming the PREAMP”.
Another bass aficionado on r/Bass was equally blown away:
“That Alembic sounds fucking incredible. … Every little detail and nuance is clearly amplified and articulated.”
This tiny desk session isn’t just a showcase—it’s a visceral lesson in tone, command, and expressive bravado. If you’re into fusion, jazz, or just bass played beyond brilliance, this is non-negotiable listening.
SET LIST
- "Song to John"
- "Yesterday Princess"
- "1,2, to the Bass"
- "School Days"
MUSICIANS
- Stanley Clarke: bass
- Cameron Graves: piano, keys
- Colin Cook: guitar
- Emilio Modeste: saxophone
- Evan Garr: violin
- Jeremiah Collier: drums
