Personnel: Stanley Clarke (vocals, piano, acoustic & electric basses);
Glenn Lewis, Amel Larrieux (vocals); Q-Tip (rap vocals); Oprah Winfrey (spoken vocals); Everette Harp (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Doug Webb (saxophone); Michael Hunter (trumpet); Nicholas Lane, Reggie Young (trombone); Hubert Laws (flute); Dr. L. Subramaniam (violin); Bob Leatherman (vibraphone); George Duke (Wurlitzer piano, keyboards); Michael Thompson,
Joe Satriani, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Armand Sabal-Lecco, Reggie Hamilton, James Earl (bass); Vinnie Colaiuta, John Robinson, Gerry Brown (drums).
Producers include: Stanley Clarke, Q-Tip, Dre, Vidal, Quincey Jones.
"Where Is The Love" was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.
Personnel: Stanley Clarke (vocals, piano, acoustic bass, electric bass); Glenn Lewis, Amel Larrieux (vocals); Oprah Winfrey, Q-Tip (spoken vocals); Michael Hart Thompson , Joe Satriani, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Doctor L. Subramaniam (violin); Hubert Laws (flute); Everette Harp (saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Doug Webb (saxophone); Michael Hunter (trumpet); Reggie C. Young (trombone); George Duke (Wurlitzer organ, keyboards); Myron McKinley (keyboards); Bob Leatherbarrow (vibraphone); John "J.R." Robinson , Gerry Brown , Vinnie Colaiuta (drums).
Recording information: Yoshi's.
On this contemporary R&B/soul jazz recording, his first solo release in a decade, bassist Stanley Clarke has taken in elements of contemporary pop music including hip-hop, urban groove, and world music, in addition to his well-known jazz-leanings as an electric and acoustic player. To give the proceedings a touch of authenticity and spark, Clarke has brought some friends on board including producer Quincy Jones, rapper Q-Tip, guitarist Joe Satriani and--hold onto your hat--Oprah Winfrey.
The low-key hip-hop of the title track, featuring Q-Tip, introduces some street cred to the outing, while radio-friendly smooth pop like the cover of the R&B classic "Where Is the Love" keep things firmly in the middle of the road. The Gypsy Kings-ish ballad "Los Callabos" contrasts with the electro-boogie of "Bout the Bass" and the grind-groove of "Hair" (with electric guitar courtesy of Satriani). The album's quiet moments--Clarke's solo bass features, the lyrical, ambient "Peace," and Oprah reading Maya Angelou's poem "I Shall Not Be Moved"--throw a dash of introspection into the mix.
Professional Reviews
JazzTimes (05/03, p.145) - "...An expansive offering that reflects the many dimensions of the renowned bassist-producer-film composer's artistry..."
