LIVE 1976-1977

This is a collection of excellent performances by the finest fusion bass player ever at the peak of his career. Do I need to say any more?

The producer of this album, apparently Stanley Clarke himself, made the wise choice of only including the musically interesting pieces the band played, not any of the fuzak songs that peppered many of his albums.

Every song is expertly performed by Stanley and his band. Particular kudos must go to guitarist Ray Gomez and drummer Gerry Brown, who are both easily able to match Clarke in technique and intensity.

the only drawback is the sound quality on a few of the songs, that sound like good bootlegs instead of quality live recordings. "The Magician" a Return To Forever classic suffers from this. The band plays the song at blinding speed, but the tinniness of the recording makes it difficult to listen to.

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.

Live album at the top of his fusion fame and with important fusion comrades assisting. You can also name it the early Best of compilation. Bass playing is, of course, more virtuoso and intensive than on the studio record. "School days" was driving the listeners crazy with Clarke's mesmerizing technique. "Lopsy lu" is otherwise an average studio track but here it puts the guitarist, drummer and Clarke to the high league. "Silly putty" represents the high quality funk side of Clarke, plenty of space for slapping, again. Brass section is audibly more present than on the studio record. "The magician" goes back to the RTF times and sounds more majestic with the brass section. "Vulcan princess" is a solid fusion good-bye to the listeners.