Author Topic: 1,2 To The Bass (Read 302 times)

jazzyvee · « **on:** July 07, 2003, 12:30:28 AM »

I have just got this album after waiting ages for it to appear in the record shops here in the UK.
After getting over my displeasure in hearing rap when I first put the CD on :-). I think it's a great album and his alembics sound so crisp and amazing. I was initially surprised at the content of the album as the last stuff of his i listened to was the Vertu album so I was expecting something similar.

It's growing on me greatly each time I listen and Stanley is still my favourite bass player.
What do you think of it?

hifibassman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 01, 2003, 06:18:09 PM »

You know- he's just keeping up with the musical?? times. Yes, his alembics always seem to sound extremely articulate and tight. Lighter gauge strings i guess...
this album i think he wanted to touch all types of musical venues, and just adding his flavor to it. He is such an accomplished bassist that he does not have to conform to anything- just do what feels good at the time. as far as his venture into rap beats, he is just supporting the young artists out there helping to diversify their exposure to music and creativity. in general, i like the album.

mikedm · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2003, 11:13:34 AM »

What I like about this disc is that none of the musicians step on each other, it's all about the music. Certainly Stanley could put out one helluva me-n-my-bass-chops album, but how tiresome would that be? As a bonus, I can play this one in the house, the kids like it too, how cool is that?

Regarding the 'rap', cool groove, it took a while to think about listening to the lyrics. 'S all good.

On the amusing side: at first listen, my friends ask about the funky sounding guitar solos...they can't believe that's Mr Clarke on the bass.
Ah, if only....

adios,
Mike

mikedm · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2003, 05:54:26 AM »

I've been listening to this in the car almost exclusively for the past two weeks. Other than 'Romantic Warrior' and 'School Days', its the only other Stanley recording I own. I wasn't sure what to expect after reading his response to a Bass Player magazine article that insinuated that he [sold out] to the smooth jazz market. This was a few years ago.
I think he's done just about everything you can do on a bass, how could you call him a sell out? To me, it appears that this project is more of a producer's role than a performer's role for him. Even so, he's still laying down some great lines.

On a personal note, I came up on the JPJ/Geddy Lee side of the tracks and imagined myself in those kind of 'band' roles. But when playing at home, it's a Stanley-esque version I'd rather be. A player that has beautiful melodies and rhythms literally at his fingertips.

bigredbass · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2003, 07:45:10 AM »

While I have the greatest admiration for Mr. Clarke and his music, I never saw myself playing bass that way. In a way, guys like Stanley and Jaco seem to be freaks of nature who should have played some other instrument, happened to play bass, and through sheer weight of genius managed to express themselves in that instrument.

I love my 'office' between the drums and everything else. I like being the rock they all stand on.

J o e y

mikedm · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2003, 08:03:24 AM »

Joey,
There is something very satisfying in being the foundation and I like it too; it pays when someone in the crowd actualy notices it enough to come up and tell you after a set.

Maybe because I'd rather have had played piano than the clarinet as a youngster that I want to say more with the tools at hand.

Still, being in the (low) pocket is a cozy feeling.

Mike