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Stanley Clarke
“The Toys of Men”
www.stanleyclarke.com
This is the album I’ve been waiting for from Stanley. I have a deep respect for Stanley Clarke, but, honestly, I always preferred his earliest works both with Chick Corea and as a leader. “The Toys of Men” is a shining example of what drew everyone to Stanley at the beginning of his career. It’s powerful, beautiful and soulful. In many ways, it seems (to me) to be a modern reflection of the Return To Forever recordings. The “hard hitter” tracks hit so hard, you wonder if he’s now invented the genre of jazz-metal. The soulful tracks are so thick and juicy you need a wet-nap. The ballads are so beautifully haunting you just can’t do much but listen …carefully. There is much to this new release. I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the wonderful drumming of Ron Bruner, Jr.. The track “Bad A*ses” is just that. Stanley and Ron tearing the roof off all by themselves. Also of special note are some wonderful solo pieces performed on his 120 year old German flat back acoustic. Just beautiful. Thanks Stanley!
Damian Erskine has written 160 articles in BMM.
Damian Erskine is not your ordinary bass player. While not touring, Damian hones his chops with some of the best jazz and latin musicians the West coast has to offer. Damian is known for his ability to fit into any musical situation and his extraordinary reading and improvising skills. Damian has played in the studio or on the stage with the likes of • Peter Erskine • Teri-Lynn Carrington • Gino Vannelli • John Ellis • Shawn Pelton • Sveti w/ Marko Djordjevic • Luis Conte • Brandon Ross • Les McCann • Jeff Lorber • Vardan Ovsepian • Charmaine Neville • Jessy J • Luis Perdomo • Tony Furtado • Kate Schutt • Bobby Torres • Alan Jones • Patrick Lamb • Dan Balmer • Klezmocracy and many others as well as being featured on the GospelChops.com "Shed Sessionz Vol. 1" DVD. Whether playing as a sideman or with his own group, he is known for his rock solid bass work, virtuosic solos and thoughtful chordal abilities.
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