Segunda-feira 20 Mar 2006, 1h:53
Look, nobody could seriously argue against the proposition that Stanley Clarke is one of the great bassists; great chops, great 'fro, great mo, the whole thing. I love School Days. Nonetheless, his bio at http://www.stanleyclarke.com/bio_pg.htm is just a wank. Sorry, it is. Aah, you judge for yerself. I think the following is a fair sample…
In 1976 Stanley released School Days, of which the title track is now a bona fide bass anthem.(OK, fair enough.)
He acknowledges, quite unboastfully: “Anyone who seriously wants to learn to play the bass has to buy that record and learn to play that song.”(Er, steady on there, pal.)
Aspiring bassists must also master the percussive slap funk technique that Stanley pioneered as well.
Well, er, no, it's actually not compulsory, so fuck off. Artists as diverse as Ganger, Peter Hook from New Order, aah I dunno, Charles Mingus have demonstrated that there is no need to slap it, and in many cases it might really be better if you don't. Need I even mention Level 42? I rest my case. End of rant.