New Stanley Clarke Band Album, “UP”, Set for Late September Release

Jazz-fusion bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke’s latest is set to drop September 30.

UP, from The Stanley Clarke Band, promises a blend of electric and acoustic bass work from the legendary Clarke.

Clarke’s former bandmates, pianist/keyboardist Ruslan Sirota and drummer Ronald Bruner Jr. appear on the album being released by Mack Avenue Records, as do acoustic pianist Beka Gochiashivili and drummer Mike Mitchell of his current touring band. The latter two are still in their teens, while Clarke is a player with a long career and more than 40 solo albums to his credit.

“My aim here was to make a record with my friends. Every single recording session was nothing but fun,” Clarke says. That’s particularly evident with the title track, which he recorded with drummer Stewart Copeland (formerly of The Police.) “His vibe is one of the most upbeat and positive that I know, and that consciousness carries throughout the song.” Other stars, like keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, pianist Chick Corea, and guitarist Joe Walsh appear on the record.

The album also includes some more of Clarke’s signature “Bass Folk Songs”, a song featuring the Harlem String Quartet and even a tune that’s a homage to Clarke’s love of superheroes in both films and comics. There’s even a re-recording of Clarke’s own mid-1970s piece, “School Days”.

“Surrounding myself with people I enjoy being with made the sessions effortless. Everyone came prepared and ready to play,” Clarke says. “All were great musicians and they came to the studio to give everything they had.”

We’ll be counting the days to September 30th.