The Bass-ic Collection

The Bass-ic Collection

Stanley Clarke

Sony Music, 1997

REVIEW BY: George Agnos

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 05/02/1998

Jazz fusion can be a mixed bag; when it works, it captures thethrill of both jazz and rock, but when it doesn't, it sounds like awatered down combination of both. This new compilation of StanleyClarke's previous work, with two brand new songs added, has plentyof examples of both good and bad fusion.

The CD starts off well with the excellent "School Days." Thissong starts off with a catchy bass riff amid some guitar squallfrom Ray Gomez, then Clarke stretches out with some niceimprovising. Clarke also rocks on "Hello Jeff" and "Rock And RollJelly" which feature former Yardbirds guitarist Jeff Beck. Thesetwo songs show that Clarke can more than handle a straight rockbass 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 nicework by drummer Tony Williams. The first part brings the wholeorchestra together with a vocal by Clarke himself, the second parthas Clarke and Bill Connors in a fast and furious bass and guitarduel, the third part is very funky and boasts some inventive basslines, and the fourth part brings back the orchestra on a variationof the original theme.

However, the collection is dominated by funk-flavored tunes andthey are a mixed bag. "The Mothership Connection" is a nifty littletribute to George Clinton and his band Parliament. "Silly Putty"and "Hot Fun" are funky but also leave room to feature Clarke'splaying. On the other hand, "We Supply" and "I Wanna Play For You"are pretty lame, and not worthy of Clarke's talents. "Wild Dog" isa little better only because it is unexciting instead of tacky.