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Stan stepped on the stage and I guess he said "Let me et this out of the way," and opened up with crowd favorite, School Days. From the point, it was straight into the Stratosphere. Serious high energy. By the time they finished, the audience was out of breath. Great show!
We have seen Stanley Clarke many times over the years, early in the 70's with Return to Forever (several times), more recently at Jazz at the Bistro (with the explosive pianist Hiromi) and the latest, at the Pageant last week (10/14/14). The current band includes Stanley, a drummer and two keyboard players. They started out with Stanley on electric bass, playing one of his old favorites (School Days). We got a feeling for how they would sound electrically - loud, powerful, fun. He then got out his stand up acoustic bass and the music elevated into something magical. All three of his bandmates were unbelievably talented, especially his 19 year old drummer (Mike MItchell, from Dallas) and 18 year old pianist from Georgia (Russia). The other keyboardist, who played mostly synthized music, was a little older, from LA. Mitchell is one of the most impressive drummers most of us have seen in 30 years (lots of drummers were sitting around us and we all agreed); kinetic, powerful, nuanced, amazing energy and speed - he challenged each of the other players during their solos and literally lifted the music into the stratosphere. The pianist from Russia was also immensely talented, playing solos that kept increasing in intensity, getting more and more powerful - he played two separate solos that were almost ridiculously exciting and impressive. They played one song that was a tribute to the late, great George Duke, a Brazilian number that was amazing - Stanley talked about all the times he and George went to Brazil and how great the music was (and the beaches, and the swim suits!). The Brazilian song and the Retrun To Forever song they played were, to me, the most enjoyable, soaring through intricate changes and rapid-fire harmonious notes together, this band was incredibly tight. It was wonderful to watch the interplay between Stanley anbd his band-mates - he was having a lot of fun playing with them and listening to their unparralled musicianship. At one point he talked about travelling all over the world and finding these tremendous YOUNG musicians, how exciting it is for him. In fact, EXCITING is the word that comes to mind when remembering this concert and if I had the chance I would go to great lengths to see it again! (Sadly, they are leaving for Europe and other far away points soon). Top Notch, Amazing, Exhilarating - you name it, this concert was fantastic.
The show was a disappointment..equipment malfunctions...show was to short no encore,
Stanley always the best, would like too have seen a horn section ..
10 minute late start to begin with. Then both keyboard players had problems with their electronic keyboards. On Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, Stanley quit and walked off stage before even finishing the melody because they keyboard player could not come in when he was supposed due to the non functioning equipment. Stanley could have played that tune all by himself. I have seen him do it before. I am a musician and the #1 rule - Never stop a tune in a performance no matter what. When He came back, he never finished that tune ( which is one of my favorites) and never picked up the electric bass again. I love the upright but did not get my fill of the electric. Plus he quit 30 minutes early and no encore. Total let down and not worth the money The second keyboardist was un-necessary and used cheesy marimba sound. He was a distraction. The gig mainly featured the young drummer who was very talented but over played. Stanley likes busy drummers like Lenny White so I overlooked that. I have seen Stanley numerous times and this was not his finest moment and was very amateurish.
The show was amazing after the Tralf got the keyboards and audio to work. In the blink of an eye the whole thing was over! The crowd was enthusiastically standing, applauding, and cheering at the end and... Wait for it...nothing. 8:30 and it was over. No encore. No "thank you great audience for a late start and patience while we waited for the equipment to work." Just over. Fabulous but too short. Barely a date night.
Great musicians, fun! The drunks in the crowd could not stop taking. They missed great music, I wonder why people are so rude.
Stanley Clark has assembled a young, talented band, particularly the pianist from the Republic of Georgia, who is only 18. The big crowd was enthusiastic and appreciative of their efforts.
FANTASTIC --- he was amazing and had a great young band --- good keyboard.
Jazz great Stanley Clarke still going strong! First time seeing him live and was truly an experience to remember! His band was also outstanding- look for them to be the main event one day! Great night; the Pageant was the perfect venue to listen to this jazz great!
