Mario, I believe he does shows a lighter side... but with all the production costs that went into making this video, I don't think it was a wise decision to make. Michael Jackson's Thriller was killing anything that moved... and lucky Louis Johnson was there for the ride slamming bass.
It's hard for a Jazz artisan to go on hiatus to split from a very mature audience to jump on flimsy computer sound-tack that could be made digitally. I can remember the jokes in my music classes in college when somebody said something about Stanley's new 80's direction. We all love Stanley, but we felt he was selling out for the money/fame.
Then on the other hand, its good to add a greater fan base. Going into POP helps. Phil Collins did the same thing, but to do this, he had a voice his way (sing) to the top.
I don't think a bass can do this alone, and we all know that Stanley tried singing. I like his singing voice myself. But, Michael Jackson dominated all voices at that time...
The full meaning of Stanley decisions to jump on the pop band wagon will always be a mystery to me, I think Stanley is too stiff of a bass player to get the fame he may had been looking for... I think of Jamain Jackson, who dances while playing his basses and Bootsy who needs no introduction as to what he's about. Stanley Clarke name can't match those guys when it comes to Funk or Pop.
Working with singers like Howard Hewett, and Jeffrey Osborn was cheesy. However on the other hand, Stanley's music works with Dee Bridgwater (Who is my wife's cousin) was fantastic because Dee and Stanley, was in their natural elements... Fine Jazz.
The 80's for the most part was a horrible decade for Jazz, but great for POP.
I am glad my hero is back home with Jazz.
