Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
DownBeat’s 73rd Annual Critics Poll: One for the Record Books
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Bassist Stanley Clarke is preparing to hit the road touring as he gets ready for the release of his first solo record in more than 10 years for Sony/Epic.
This past decade has introduced Stanley as a consummate film composer with credits that include “Boyz In The Hood,” “Poetic Justice,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Passenger 57,” “Undercover Brother” and “The Transporter” to name a few.
Joining Stanley on tour is Deron Johnson (keyboards) who has played with everyone from Miles Davis and Billy Cobham to Alanis Morrisett and Boz Skaggs, bassist Armond Sabal-Lecco whose credits include Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon and Jeff Beck, Gerry Brown on drums who’s played with Stevie Wonder, Chick Corea, George Benson and Joe Sample, and Stanley’s long-time band member keyboardist Nick Smith of the Tonight Show Band with Branford Marsalis.
Clarke just finished taping a special for Black Entertainment Television (BET) to be aired in February with guest stars that featured bands including Stevie Wonder, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Shiela E, Stewart Copeland, Lenny White, Patrice Rushen, Wayman Teasdale, Bela Fleck, Billy Sheehan, Rodney Franklin and Wallace Roney to name just a few.
Clarke’s tour dates are:
Nov. 23: Seattle, About The Music
Nov. 24: Portland, Ore., The Aladdin Theater
Nov. 29: San Diego, Victor’s On The Bay
Nov. 30: Los Angeles, Key Club
Dec. 1: Santa Ana, Calif., Galaxy Club
Dec. 4-8: Oakland, Yoshi’s
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
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