Who’s having the best year in the jazz music game? My vote goes to Stanley Clarke.
The year began with him still riding high on the commercial and critical success of the late-2007 release “The Toys of Men,†the phenomenal bassist’s first solo studio set since 2003.
It continued as Clarke joined with drummer Lenny White, keyboardist Chick Corea and guitarist Al Di Meola for the much-heralded reunion of Return to Forever. That fusion super-group’s tour, which followed a 25-year hiatus, has been dubbed by many as “the jazz event of 2008.†It certainly lived up to that lofty ranking during its stop at the Grand Ballroom at the Regency Center in San Francisco back in June.
Now, as a follow-up, Clarke is directing his attention to another high-profile project _ a collaboration with fellow bass legends Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. The trio, which goes by S.M.V. (for Stanley, Marcus and Victor), has recently released a CD, very appropriately named “Thunder,†and has hit the road to showcase the new tracks.
S.M.V. will “Thunder†its way into the Grand on Tuesday (Aug. 26).
There’s one question that you have to ask yourself if you’re considering attending this show: How much do you like electric bass guitar? I love the instrument, but I’ve still be known to plan my bathroom breaks around the second or third bass solo at a concert. (Of course, I would never do that when I’m reviewing a show _ a good critic knows to use the bathroom before the curtain parts.)
There’s going a ton of bass solos at the S.M.V. show. Yet, from what I know about the participants, I probably won’t want to miss a single note.
Clarke, in all likelihood, is the best bassist I’ve ever seen play. His work at the RTF reunion shows, in particular, thoroughly convinced me that he’s the Michael Jordan of the bass. That said, however, the tremendously talented Miller and the trailblazing Wooten (best known for his work with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones) are nearly on Clarke’s level. Let’s call them, respectively, the Karl Malone and the Charles Barkley of the bass.
Although I was lukewarm on the “Thunder†record, I’m really intrigued to see the three amigos in concert. This show is going to epic _ that much I’m sure of _ but it’s still hard to recommend for anyone other than a true bass fanatic.
Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50. The Grand is at 1290 Sutter St. Call 415-421-TIXS, 510-625-TIXS, 925-685-TIXS or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
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