Alembic Guitars Club
Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: hendixclarke on December 05, 2007, 11:43:00 PM
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Down Beat December 2007
Return to Forever fans, you can stand up and cheer. One of the great fusion groups of all time will hit the tour circuit next summer, breaking out the sound of the ?70s for what will be the most anticipated jazz tour of 2008.
?Chick and I are getting together tomorrow to talk further,? Clarke said, indicating that he, Chick Corea, Al Di Meola and Lenny White will focus on the group?s classic repertoire. ?We decided we wanted to do the old music first.? The reunion will reconvene a true band in an era that does not nurture the collective identity of a group as much as it does the status of the individual.
?Why don?t we have groups like Return to Forever, Weather Report and the Modern Jazz Quartet today?? Clarke asked rhetorically. ?I blame it on the lawyers, agents and managers. The business is set up for what I call the ?my guy? phenomenon.
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Man, it been more than 20 years since I seen RTF in Berkeley Ca. It was just magic.
Eventually the chickens come home to roost. Meaning: this is the natural thing which should happen for balance in the world of Jazz Fusion.
Miles Davis (Mr. Daddy-King or Jazz-Rock, RIP) would be smiling and saying to himself:
My boys are finally getting back together...
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Miles Davis (Mr. Daddy-King of Jazz-Rock, RIP)
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http://www.stanleyclarke.com/board/thread.php?id=470
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I'm hoping they are doing some British or European dates. If not I'm coming over to the states to see them.
Jazzyvee
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Thanks Keavin.
What are your thoughts?
Im sure you feel like I do but it would be cool to know from your vibes in this...
As for me, it feels like (back in the day) when I would go to a George Clinton Concert in the 70's, waiting for the Mother ship to land. We would spend 2-5 hours in music odyssey and come to know patterns musically that are unparalleled (from a funk perspective) today; and those guys where King at stretching a groove (enough to feed everybody...). I call it the: James Brown/Jimi Hendrix Gospel mix. The song Cosmic Slop is my reference point in my regards, but there were so many other grooves too including Maggot Brain. Students of James and Jimi, is not a question for me.
Now far as RTF, the whole album: Where have I known you before in 74 sold me this was genius material from front to back on the LP. These cats had great musical roll models in their youth as well (but from a jazz perspective).
I can't wait to see them again, I hope they stay together this time, and health wise, they all look like they been taking care of themselves (for what we know anyway) so, hopfully they could tour in a serious and meaningful way; and not make this just a fashion statement or a cabaret media circus moment.
Its been a while since I came out of my shell, to see a concert of this level. Its like playing Lotto, I don't come buy a ticket, unless the jackpot is worth in the 100's of millions.
These guys will get me of my ass to go down there, and get my ticket. It would had tooken the alignment of those four wonderful and beautiful stars: Chick, Stan, Al, and Lenny to get me up, for I know God will be there too.
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I saw RTF in 1977 and it was great. But it wasn't the four in this lineup (these four are my favorite RTF). I would love to be able to see this tour.
Rich
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Yeah, Chick had a big band Swing-like Black-Tie groove called RTF (the same name) and his wife even joined the parade with songs like Music Magic, So long (Or good bye) Mickey Mouse, I'll love you rain or shine and even Stanley sung songs too. However, although the music was ok (if nothing more) for a big-band sound, I thought it was a bit too much fan-fair, and way away (Miles AWAY) from what I expected from RTF.
What I mean here is: it was like stage a musical extravaganza that could follow a Marry Pippins Broadway show. Its sound like they were try to appeal to The Brady Bunch mind set. (Kind of an idealized culture they never was invited to attend). In otherwords It was pure bullsh_t. Ok I said it, oh that felt good too.
I was very disappointed, to say enough...or the least and I was trying to figure out where in the hell were they going? I think Chic let his lawyers and managers take control during that time.
I am sure both original members of RTF (not involved in that version; Lenny and Al) probably looked at each other, not only scratched their heads, but also took a long look at each other and gave each other a long hug to the folly.
I don't want to sound harsh, but when I heard Chic?s wife Gail on the cut sing Come rain or shine I thought of a saloon tavern, I just knew this album was not made for my ears. Hey, its cool, for this was before the American Idol...and you just knew she had to be related to somebody in the group in order for her to be lead singer. Nepotism LIVE or reverse EVIL.
Seriously, the 4 members Al, Lenny, Stanley, and Chic is the only band I would travel anywhere (I do mean anywhere on earth) to see jam.
That?s my two cents.
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Come to think of it, there was a 4 record LP set simply entitled: RTF. The album set promotion was a huge loss for the big band release.
The moral of that story is...
Don't lose your main fan base to satify the tastes and benefit a potential less or non appreciative musical audience...To do so, you'd confuse even your own band members toward eventually departure with the orignial purpose loss.
Its true, the Grass is greener on the otherside, if the other side, has astro turf, green dye no. 5
P.S. Even Microsoft jumped on the band wagon with their own brand for RTF.
For many newbie?s and computer geeks out there think RTF means Rich Text Format developed in 1987... Just when it was easy, things just got more difficult yet again.
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Albums from years 1972-1975 are often sold under Chick Corea's name.
The complete list of line-ups
Return to Forever Band Members (1972-1973)
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Flora Purim - vocals
* Joe Farrell - saxophone
* Stanley Clarke - bass No Alembic
* Airto Moreira - percussion
(1973)
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Bill Connors - guitar
* Stanley Clarke - bass No Alembic
* Steve Gadd - drums
* Mingo Lewis - percussion
(1973)
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Bill Connors - guitar
* Stanley Clarke - bass No Alembic
* Lenny White - drums
(1974)
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Earl Klugh - guitar
* Stanley Clarke - bass Alembic
* Lenny White - drums
(1974-1976)
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Al Di Meola - guitar
* Stanley Clarke - bass Alembic
* Lenny White - drums
(1977) BIG CIRCUS SWING MERRY MELODIES FLOP
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Gayle Moran - vocals, keyboards
* Joe Farrell - saxophone
* John Thomas - trumpet
* James Tinsley - trumpet
* Jim Pugh - James E. Pugh - trombone
* Harold Garrett - trombone
* Stanley Clarke - bass Alembic
* Gerry Brown - drums
(1977) BIG CIRCUS SWING MERRY MELODIES FLOP
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Gayle Moran - vocals, keyboards
* Joe Farrell - saxophone
* John Thomas - trumpet
* James Tinsley - trumpet
* Jim Pugh - James E. Pugh - trombone
* Harold Garrett - trombone
* Ron Moss - trombone
* Stanley Clarke - bass Alembic
* Gerry Brown - drums
(1977 - 1982) BAND SPLIT (YEAH, AND WHY NOT)
(1983) All 4 Members headlined their own albums and individual points of music views, and by this time period, the young masters, branched off to create on their own identity and made some very successful and wonderful music on their own, but at times, I would see some collaborations on their albums if business found it prudent.
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Al Di Meola - guitar
* Stanley Clarke - bass Alembic
* Lenny White - drums
(1984 - 2007) BAND SPLITS again DAMN!
(2008) (announced) And this time... I hope and pray they had enough stuff gained in lessons learned from the fame, other vanities out the way, (But I doubt it... to much temptation out-there).
But hopfully for the most part, they'd matured enough to understand each other and can own enough of themselves to make 10-20-30 more albums together.
Heck, purchase a ranch with a studio, and call it Electric Lady Land Studio Ranch and produce the next American Idol JAZZ talent show. This would bring balance to the force of music. If Mace Wendo from Star Wars, would had said it best.
* Chick Corea - keyboards
* Al Di Meola - guitar
* Stanley Clarke - bass Alembic
* Lenny White - drums
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I have to say, the original line up with Flora and Airto was my favorite, but I'll definitely be seeing them when they get back together. If they play in NYC, that is.
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Yeah, that was some beautiful music. One tune I love from the same group formation, was the Cystal Silence piece with Joe Farrell solo.
That horn solo, still after 30+ years still sends chills down my spine (it was so good, it knocked upon my spiritual doors to enter).
Yeah, I totally 100% agree with you darkstar01. Man, now that you mentioned this era, it would be so nice, to have Flora Purim voice on the line up once again. That was no nonsense conceptual Jazz meaning: It was like Bruce Lee's version of Kung Fu. Still Jazz, but even more effective in the art, and technique.
Those guys were aged in their teens and/or 20's too!?
Remarkable music, and sublimely performed like cutting through butter with a hot knife.
Then the Alemebic sound would soon be revealed in Jazz for the first time thus; taking the bass sound to a whole-other-level. The young bass apprentice, Sir Clarke would accept the honor to duel between the Chester and the tyrant with his Excalibur (Alembic sword) to test its true worth. Final results: Needless to say...
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Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola and Lenny White Planning Extensive North American and European Tour
Return to Forever, one of the most influential groups of the 1970s, have long heard calls from their many fans for a reunion tour. Now those calls have been answered, with the classic lineup of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola and drummer Lenny White planning a tour across the U.S. and Europe that will be their first performances together in more than 25 years.
The foursome is expected to play 40 to 50 dates across the U.S. and Europe, featuring the classic music from their four chart-topping albums. It's been a long time coming, says founder Chick Corea, and I think it's going to be a blast! We plan to take the songs from the albums we made in the '70s and just play them like they’ve never been played before.
In retrospect, the '70s were a very powerful time in instrumental music, Stanley Clarke adds. We're going to go out and play our music as honestly as we did then, and it will be a great thing for all of us.
Return to Forever helped create and define fusion, a new genre that brought multitudes of rock 'n' roll fans into the jazz world for the first time. Their influence is evident today in many musical genres, from the hip-hop samplings of Dr. Dre and Lupe Fiasco to a litany of jam bands to techno and prog bands.
A special Return to Forever anthology featuring remixed and remastered tracks from the classic albums 'Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy', 'Where Have I Known You Before', 'No Mystery' and 'Romantic Warrior' will be released to coincide with the tour.
Al Di Meola says, This is something we've talked about for close to 30 years... how's that? 30 years! We've come close a few times, but finally the timing was right.
We all felt the time was right to come back on a grand scale, raise the bar again and show people what serious music is really about, Lenny White concludes.
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We all felt the time was right to come back on a grand scale, raise the bar again and show people what serious music is really about, Lenny White concludes.
Strong words, and many people know, they could back everything up too. 2008 is GREAT!
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I'm still on a high at the prospect of seeing them live.
Jazzyvee
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Any word on UK dates yet?
Graeme
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Apparently, no dates have been announced yet.
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A date in New york has been released in New York
August 7, 2008 United Palace New York, NY Fri, 03.07.08 10:00 AM EST On Sale NOW!!
http://www.return2forever.com/ (http://www.return2forever.com/)
The web site is up so like me you might want to sign up to their email list.
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The subscribe link took me to some sort of spam website. Hopefully they'll get it fixed.
Thanks for the website link Jazzy.
Graeme
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Graeme,
Here is the link directly to their registration page - https://www.return2forever.com/index.cfm/pk/checkout/ac/register (https://www.return2forever.com/index.cfm/pk/checkout/ac/register)
Hope that works for you.
Art
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I notice that there are two different items at the site that subscribe. The link I supplied above is from the graphic on the homepage that states WIN RTF and the Subscribe to Newsletter Go button takes you offsite.
The link above also states that you'll get the newsletter and you get to stay onsite. They most likely pass the email info to the same place for bulk mailings.
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This is the most important Jazz news to date.
No doubt about it Alembicans, RTF will pull some of the best musicians together in one room we had every seen in a long time. I hope to bring my children, to inspire them to continue the journey of learning what is sound.
Thoes guys go, way-way back to the 70's and I am excited to anticipate a very wonderful and beautiful concert.
If Al, Stan, Chic and Lenny are serious to come down to San Francisco, I'll be there.
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Thanks for the link Art. Hopefully their newsletter will detail tour dates reasonabley close to scotland.
graeme
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New tour dates (http://www.return2forever.com/index.cfm/index.cfm?pk=viewall&cd=MAE&pid=400145) have been announced.
And yes, they are playing the UK (London) and a couple of dates in San Franpsycho. Even Seattle!
Bradley
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Yeah i'm watching closely for booking details to appear.
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June 1st in Dallas at the Nokia Center. I'll be there.
Olie
Edited to reflect the correct date.
(Message edited by olieoliver on March 12, 2008)
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I looked at the entire listing and saw a double bill with the Flecktones August 6th in Boston, at the Bank of America Pavillion.
Man, I'd LUV to see that show! Chick and Bela did a duet CD this year as well.
Mike
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You guys, you need to check out Chic's web site, there is some live footage of their rehearsal session.
It's gonna be a monster of a tour. I'm on a high already.
http://www.chickcorea.com/player_temp.php (http://www.chickcorea.com/player_temp.php)
Incredible stuff.
Jazzyvee
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Thanks Jazzyvee, nice little clip!
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Wow, those guys sound good. Their sound is very relevant today.
What I find very interesting with the clip was, someone said, it was one of the first bands to showcase the marketing of the individual artist within one group.
I wonder what kind of bass Stanley was playing. It did look like an Alembic.
Thanks Jazzyvee
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The headstock looked like a - what was that name - Spellbinder?
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I believe it was the Lowenhertz German bass from the headstock.
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Yep it is a spellbinder bass.
Jazzyvee
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Yes, I agree it is a spellbinder bass. According to the web page, Stanley owns this company as well. :|
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beurk.....
http://www.lieberguitars.com/NewSpellbinder.htm (http://www.lieberguitars.com/NewSpellbinder.htm)
http://www.lieberguitars.com/opener.htm
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I want to hear the sound of a spellbinder. Heck, I want to play one now
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http://ctbass.birdsong.googlepages.com/spellbinder
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http://www.amazon.com/Clarke-Duke-Project-Vol-1/dp/B0000025KT
Looks like the same bass from the past.
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http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_monty.html
I would also love to play the above too.
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http://www.thelowend.net/gallery/viewtopic.php?p=11001&sid=ef6ceec24cfab6cc42e9b357239cd1cc
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That spellbinder also appears on the cover of Time Exposure (http://www.amazon.com/Time-Exposure-Stanley-Clarke/dp/B0000025V9/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1205484772&sr=1-19) albeit in silhouette.
Graeme
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Got my tickets this morning - excellent seats. I thought about the VIP package, but it was nearly $500/ticket. Can't wait 08/04 @ Merriweather Post.
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Got my 2 tics to Denver on 6-3. I couldn't spring for a $grand either. 20th row was the best that was available. Should be awesome though.
Rich
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Well my wife and I will be visiting Philadelphia for the August 5th show at the Mann Center. Since this will be our vacation for the year I splurged for front row center.
Keith
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Keith, your wife likes RTF? Pretty cool
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Ok, now if only Phil Collins can get the original group BRAND X back on tour. That would be asking too much.
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Picked up my tickets this weekend for the 6/8 Seattle show. Should be cool.
Bones
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Got my tickets for the London Show
Jazzyvee
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I haven't :-( can't get down to London that week. I wish all these so called 'Greats' would realise that the UK is much bigger than London.
Graeme
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Yes they should, there is also Birmingham ;-)
Anywhere else of note???
hahaha
But I understand your frustration Jacko, it annoys me that most of the greats bypass Birmingham in favour of Manchester, leeds, Newcastle and other places. But I know Birmingham crowds are not very good at showing support with bums on seats for certain types of bands. I wish I knew why, We miss out on a lot.
JAzzyvee
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It's all rock music in Brum isn't it..home of Black Sabbath, Def Leoppard etc.
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Terry - Def Leppard are from Sheffield. Robert Plant's from West Brom though and I guess Led Zep count as rockers ;-)
Graeme
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As long as we're misspelling - Def Leotard?
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I Think Steve Winwood is a brummie too. Yeah rock musicians seem to get more gigs in brum than many others. Shame though. Maybe times will change.
Or maybe I should just move to another place.
Jazzyvee
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The RTF website shows this as the set list for Austin, TX yesterday. I can't wait until Tuesday in Denver.
Rich
Set 1
Hymn of the 7th Galaxy
Vulcan Worlds
(Senor Mouse)
Sorceress
Song to the Pharoah Kings
Set 2
Guitar Solo Intro
No Mystery
Piano Solo Intro
The Romantic Warrior
Bass Solo
Drum Solo
Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant
Encores
Beyond the Seventh Galaxy
Dayride
Medieval Overture
Other Selections
Celebration Suite
After the Cosmic Rain
The shadow of Lo
Space Circus Part 1 & Part 2
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The show was FANTASTIC!
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Nice pic!
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Looks like stanley is back to playing his Alembic.
Graeme
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Stanley played his Alembic the whole first set.
Then played his upright the second until they played Duel of the Jester and the Tyrant to finished the set.
Tickets were expensive.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/52321.jpg)
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Denver, June 3.
WOW.
The most dominant aspect of last night's concert was how much fun everyone seemed to have. I don't know who had more fun, the band or the crowd. It was just like what you would expect; a bunch of old friends who had a magical time many years ago hoping that the magic hasn't gone away. Very early on everyone in the room realized that it's still there.
Chick fought with 2 of his keyboards for the first 10 minutes. The tech was all over the place fixing things then Chick was up and running. He got a big grin on his face, the band started relaxing, and everyone got right into the set.
The sound was great. You could clearly hear every little thing. Everyone's tone was beautiful. Stanley played his Alembic for the first set and the encores. I saw what I think was the Spellbinder, but it stayed on its stand all night. The second set was more mellow. Lenny used brushes, Al played his Ovation, Stanley on upright. He didn't seem to like what he heard with the bow. Sometimes he played only a few notes and switched back to picking.
Each member had a solo section for at least 6 or 8 minutes. The musicianship and technical ability of each left the crowd in awe. It was not the Hey, everyone, look what I can do. thing. It was a bunch of great musicians playing great music. For the most part they stayed with the original arrangements.
After the second set a lot of people crowded around the stage to shake hands and get autographs. The band's looks, shakes, and thank-yous to each of us at the edge of the stage were very genuine. Everyone really had soooo much fun seeing all this happening again.
My 14 year old son (a keyboardist) loved the show. When we went up to the front, Chick autographed his ticket and thanked him for coming to the show. He was thrilled.
I am really excited for all of you who are going to the upcoming shows. If you have half as much fun as we did, you are in for a great time.
Rich
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Nice review Rich; thanks!
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If you have a chance to see this show in your hometown, definitely do so. I saw the Seattle show last night (June 8, 2008) and was thoroughly entertained.
Bones
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I saw RTF Last night in Toronto and it was unreal!! They were crazy good, beyond any expectation.
After the show we went around back and caught them heading out. I got to meet all of them except for Al...who had a bouncer escort him out. But I was like 2 feet away from him. I shook hands with Stan, Lenny and Chic and got them to sign my poster though! And Spoke to chic very briefly...but was too starstruck to say anything important or interesting.
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By the way Stanley played his alembic for the whole frst set and the encore as the second set was acoustic (which was actually the highlight of the show for me), and it was looking good and sounding great! It also looked like he was playing through two 2x10 and 2 1x15. Anyone know what his rig is?
Tonight I'm seeing Marcus Miller and I'm going to try and get him to sign the inside of my cavity plate and tomorrow john sco trio, mike stern trio and John Abercrombie organ trio.
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At the Dallas show he was using SWR cabs.
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I thought thats what they might've been... i was top row so a bit far away but those cabs have pretty distinctive grills.
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Stanleys Gear. (http://www.stanleyclarke.com/gear_pg.htm)
OO
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I saw stanley recently in London and was at the very front and he did have 2x swr Big Ben's and 2x SWR 4x10 cabs so he probably not sure what the amp was but in the past 2 years I've only seen him using SWR cabs
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Just saw the concert last night at the Place Des Arts in Montreal. Best concert I ever saw in my life! It lasted almost 3 hours. The first half was electric, the second half acoustic. Each of the four musicians perfomed the MOST amazing solos.
Just loved it!
So THAT's how you play an Alembic...
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GOT-DAMN IT!
I was expexting to see Stanley play the Dragon (Grand Daddy of all Alembic Basses)!
WHAT A RIP OFF!
...The music was still out of this world and worth every dime
Them are my boyz--
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are your caps sarcasm?
maybe you should let stanley know your thoughts...he frequents his site frequently,
peace
(Message edited by elwoodblue on June 29, 2008)
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I am talking about Th-EEE Dragon Breath Alembic Bass. Google it, and you will agree what a beauty it is...
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I'd like to see him play it too...
I try my best to be positive,have a good evening
peace
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Jazzyvee, I bet he'll be there soon...I missed him in seattle(I'm kickin my own butt)
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Stanley was playing his Vermillion Series I. It was quite a sight. His hands are so big that it looked like a little toy. Seeing him play an Alembic was a BIG part of the pleasure of the show. I'm glad it was his only electric Bass of the show.
Al Dimeola Switched between a LP Standard and two PRS guitars.
Just great!
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I can't wait to see the Thunder tour as it looks like that's the next time he'll be back on this coast...with MM and VW !!! oh my,
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I don't think he would tour with the Dragon's Breath. It's too irreplaceable. It's the ultimate expression of an instrument as art. I don't think he'd appreciate it being handled by others and perhaps getting scratched or damaged.
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Your comment has some merrit -- being that the Dragon Breath is a Smithsonian relic and a complete work of art with the most highest level of Alembic appreciation to an artist ever. However, Stanley's Brown Bass (retired now) is a relic for the Smithsonian too, and it has many battle scares from touring.
That being said, Stanley Clarke Brown Bass and I am sure it is worth symbolicly more to Stanley than the Dragon, because of the history in actural playing it; touring with it; and making custom mods and tweekings to his desires. Ultimately, this brown bass, could be said -- be worth more in value.
The Dragon Breath on the other hand, was a gift, a symbolic trophy from Alembic, thus it was for the most part out of the works he did with the Brown Bass.
LOL!
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I heard he sold the BB to Victor Wooten.
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victor -- like everybody else, which they could own the Brown Bass. It's priceless in my book. Stanley would not give his Alembic to anyone more than the next person unless of course, it was his dear family members -- like a son or daughter.
Victor? Never!
Visctor has his own line of basses anyway and frankly, not an Alembic guy.
LOL!
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I don't believe this one bit or byte.
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The story of BB
http://hem.passagen.se/nils30/ (http://hem.passagen.se/nils30/)
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I heard that Stanley GAVE his Brown Bass to Wooten rather than selling it. At least Victor Wooten IS at the top of the current list of modern greats.
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I wonder who bought the black bass...it was priced at 130k...I felt lucky just to talk to the agent.
svm will be a wild show.
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The Black Bass was a very cool looking bass. It had a graphite neck with a bigsby wammy bar.
Elwood, I believe you are right. I think he may had sold this bass years ago.
If memory had not failed me, it was the same bass Stanley posed on the album cover: I want to play for you back in the late 70's.
For the time, the music was disco-ish. The Album was a huge success because it crossed over many stations and made Stanley's name bigger than ever. The I want to play for you album, is what got me to buy other Stanley Clarke's music. I was a Chic fan from way back where Stanley was only a band member and was not a leading guy yet. OH, but that would change quick -- for Stanley would win every elite bass magazine and academic scholar awards possible. Stanley is also wonderful human being too!
Last year, I was on a work related assignment in Atlanta, and BAM, the radio played the song Summer Hot Fun and I was floored. It was great to see a jazz DJ, still find purpose with that jam and It made my day shorter. The music took me back to thinking of the Black Bass with the Bigsby and graphite neck again.
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I feel extremely sad and downhearted that It was imposible for me to travel to London for RTF.
A real opportunity missed to see a legendary band that I have followed for decades! Its such a pity the guys couldnt have done at least a mini tour of the UK.
John.
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HC,
it was this year ... a few months ago
...that is a great album you mention..love the inner sleeve pic
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That's when a album, was an album.
You could hang it on the wall.
Try doing the same, with a CD cover... Yeah, I know... the thought is criminal.
Stanley was very generous with the pictures and his teamship with other great musicians. That was too cool!
God bless Stanley and everyone.
Peace-