Author Topic: Doing a Stanley Clarke Music Gig (Read 556 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** July 27, 2004, 08:44:12 AM »

I'm a big fan of Stanley Clarke, and in all the years I've been playing guitar and recently bass, I have never, ever heard anyone at all play any of his material live.

The only time I've heard his music live is when Stanley himself has been playing.

So being the adventurous type I have decided to organise a gig and perform some of his music sometime later this year.

Have any of you tried doing this, what was the response...?

Is it a cheesy idea?

Do you know anywhere i could get some chord charts/transcriptions on-line?

I don't want it to fall flat on my face but I'd love the challenge of playing his stuff.

I'm thinking of a couple of RTF tracks, School days (of course) , V-wave, Toys and The call from the Vertu Album, Buenas Ares from the Live at the Greek album, Justice's Groove, 1,2 to the bass, Hair and Shanti from the latest CD. Probably about 12 tracks in all.

What do you think?
As for the line up, at the moment I'm thinking of Bass, drums, 2 keyboards (one also taking the bass parts where needed), Electric violinist who uses effects etc instead of guitar except for school days.
Sax and brass for a couple of tracks. Oh and a Rapper.

Jazzyvee

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2004, 09:20:08 AM »

That's definitely a cool idea, and sounds like it would be a rockin' show. I only have one gripe with your plan - and that is looking for chord charts/transriptions. That's what ears are for! IMHO, half the fun of playing someone else's material is figuring it out, not just reading it.

David Houck · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2004, 02:57:20 PM »

I like playing Lopsy Lu. I don't play it like he does, I don't try to get the same tone, I don't even play the sections in the same order. I just like improvising off the basic structure of the song. Several years ago I taught it to a drummer I was playing with and we would jam on it occasionally. Never could get a guitar player interested in it enough to add it to a set list.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2004, 04:36:39 PM »

I agree there, I will work out the bass parts myself from the CD's of course Jagerphan84, i just thought it would make it easier for the keyboard players if I could find some transcriptions as a guide since I will be using session musicians who are very busy.

. I doubt they would be as much a fan of Stanley as me. lol and if I can say, I've got a couple of gigs for you and here is the cd and the music. They may be more interested in doing it as their workload could be reduced.

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2004, 05:19:12 PM »

I was just ribbing on ya a little (I think that's a real expression). There's nothing wrong with reading music, especially in a session situation. Personally, I don't play sessions, I play for enjoyment. Enjoyment for me doesn't come in the form of ink and paper.

I still think the show is a great idea, and I am sure Mr. Clarke would be honored.

jazzyvee · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2004, 01:07:49 AM »

Ok I understand. However I do session gigs only at the moment since my regular band (where I was the guitarist), split at the end of last year.

I'd rather be in my own band again to be honest with you but these days you can't get the more experienced musicians to tie themselves down to a regular band.

Well not for Jazz based musicians anyway.

Also I had so much grief with the last band on fundamental things like what to play and even trying to get them to agree to do gigs, that I'm giving that a rest for a while and working on getting known on the scene and hopefully will be invited to join a good band.

I have always played music purely for enjoyment and I only do sessions for music I like otherwise what's the point.

Enjoyment for me comes from the whole process of learning the music, rehearsals, and the performance. Obviously the performance is the cream... :-)

At the moment I'm working as lead guitarist on the road with an Asian Reggae artiste called Apache Indian & The Reggae Revolution Band.

The UK tour has almost finished now with the last date being this Saturday but It's been a great experience playing reggae again which is where my musical roots are and fantastic to play live with a good tight band.

There are discussions going on about touring the States at some point and i'm looking forward to that big time.

http://www.karmasound.com
http://www.reggaerevolution.net
http://www.notstrictlyjazz.com

bracheen · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2004, 05:49:48 AM »

Jazzy, check this out to see if it's what you are looking for. Good luck it sounds like a great show. If you make it to the States be sure to post your itinerary.

http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?Search=Yes

Sam

kevin_k · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2004, 08:36:57 AM »

I have a Stanley Clarke book with a handful of songs. Only the bass parts, but I think the chords might be in there too. It is a handy little book to reference. I'll check the publisher/name tonight.

Good luck with your project. I too hope to do something similar in the future, but no musicans I currently play with are that interested in SC covers. (The fools!)

jazzyvee · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2004, 02:02:08 AM »

Well gig is all set for Wednesday 6th October and I'll let you know how it goes,
Jazzyvee

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2004, 06:04:36 AM »

What's the set list? What kind of venue will you be in?

keavin · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2004, 08:11:35 AM »

that is so cool wish i could see that show,but post some pics when able.,,,,& good luck!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2004, 12:25:39 AM »

Well the gig has been done and it went down amazingly well. A good crowd, many like me die hard Clarkee fans, and the band played great the audience really loved it.

The venue was a wine bar in Birmingham, England called Ipanema's. They have live bands on Wednesday evenings.

The set list was:
Buenos Aires
Stratos
Justice's Groove
Celebration of the Human Sprit
The Call

All Blues
Hair
V-wave
The duel of the Tyrant and the Jester
School Days

I am waiting for some pictures to be emailed to me, when i get them I'll put some of the best ones here so you can see what went on. Or you could check my web site where I will be posting them too.

http://www.notstrictlyjazz.com

We have been booked for another gig playing that set in February which will give us more time to rehearse ( 5 rehearsals is cutting it fine lol)

However I don't really want to do it too much and get caught up in the tribute band thing but now and again it would be nice.

LOL, saying that I've got a guitar gig doing a night of Al Jarreau covers at the end of this month. :-)

Cheers
Jazzyvee

dgcarbu · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2004, 01:35:46 PM »

jazzyvee,

Can you provide some mp3's of your stanley clarke interpretations, that would be great.

Thanks,
Darrell

jazzyvee · « **Reply #13 on:** January 01, 2005, 02:59:39 PM »

Unfortunately the only recording of the gig was made on domestic video camera and the audio quality of it is terrible. You can hear almost as much of the audience chattering as you can the music.

Nice Bass you have there.
Cheers
Jazzyvee

dgcarbu · « **Reply #14 on:** January 01, 2005, 07:24:06 PM »

Happy New Year! Jazzyvee,

That's too bad, maybe some other time when you have a better recording of the gig.

Thanks, I'm kinda proud of finally owning one.

I've used it live a few times, and it looks like I may be moving towards a Brown Bass soon.

Peace,
Darrell