LIVE 1976-1977

Collection of live Stanley Clarke recordings from the top of his solo career. Released for a first time in 1991 only, this album is very accessible and pleasant listening, containing Clarke electric band's brightest composition from his concerts in US and UK.

Obviously, the reason of this release was mostly commercial, so no strange all compositions included are quite melodic, catchy and sometimes even with pop-tunes. Three main components which are presented on album's compositions are jazz fusion, funk and rock. McLaughlin's acoustic guitar isn't important on the sound, but besides of Clarke's electric bass, Gomez's electric guitar and Brown's energetic drumming do their job. David Sancious' piano is presented in some places, and even gives some classical feeling.

All compositions are from previous releases and doesn't sound too different, but live sound with some improvs and longer soloing are nice ( even not always of good recording quality). Album's inside structure is again completed according to market rules - heavy composition is changed by softer one, faster - by slower, and so on. But as result the album is not too long, very concentrated and tasty.

Great "the best of ..." collection of live recordings from late 70-s, very representative work. Could be recommended as entrance release for new Clarke's music listeners.

My rating is 3+, rounded to 4.