Stanley Clarke's Bass Nation - Episode 1: Being Prepared 

Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 0:55 - Being Prepared 1:40 - One on One with Stanley about Being Prepared 4:57 - Understanding the Fundamentals 6:35 - Interview with Carlitos Del Puerto Jr 12:26 - Develop Your Communication Skills 14:55 - Verdine White Talks on the Mindset for Success 18:00 - New Gear: Roadie Bass Tuner with Travis Rogers 20:13 - Bass and Drums: The Foundation 21:07 - Stanley and Clayton "Master of Brushes" Cameron Jam - Bebop 24:05 - Stanley and Clayton Jam - Swing 25:27 - The Bass Folk Songs and Light As A Feather 28:03 - Lopsy Lu 29:44 - Outro

THIS IS FREE??????? what have we done to deserve this???

When I was in my 20’s I thought I was a pretty good Bass player, sought after even...almost cocky...then a friend turned me onto Light As A Feather...I got handed my ass...I practiced quite a lot, but I heard someone that practiced much more than me...I almost quit playing...and I could have..but I instead became inspired by what I heard. It made me realize that I wasn’t going to achieve that level...and that’s ok..it brought me back to reality, and it helped me continue on with music, and was fine in my wheelhouse. But always striving to become a better player...Thank You Stanley.

Please Me Clarke continue with this wonderfull program! We love you Master!!!

My favorite bassist of all time has a a youtube channel! This is like his "EAST RIVER DRIVE" release----priceless!

I've been listening to Clarke since "Return to Forever." Had to play some of their songs in some club shows and it was arduous because I was a stupid doper hippie but got work playing covers. I was born with good musicianship so I am grateful to God, my Father. "Spain" was impossible and my attitude was "I'll never get to that place" so why even try? I could not slap the bass and I think it had to do with fear about it. Beating an instrument never excited me. I should have learned it. But my downfall is I never got to my reading. At 70 I still can't and have no resources for teacher or even that one good friend who one can sit down with and play down tunes. Pick it up that way. But I could play the Blues. I grew up in the great white North and this lily white Polack was listening to James Brown and all the British stuff and when my father moved us from there to south Miami I easily played Hendrix because I knew it to be R&B. At 10 years old, maybe younger, there was Major Lance on the radio, know what I mean? All the early MoTown records were played because if my family's close proximity to Detroit where my father traveled to for business. Long story short I was a complete moron beyond marginal music skills. Miami was a small town in 1967 and I got work doing little gigs with high school pals immediately. And it was the worst band out of all the bands coming out of so. Fl. high schools. Still, the arranger who later arranged for Jaco Pastorius, Larry Warrilow, must have thought I was worth something so I got into Pete Graves' band -- they got me started on marijuana and it was all downhill from there. Haha. Now I live in Podunct with no access nor resources to get with anyone to play down tunes and revive my reading which I never learned. That's my downfall. I can play all sorts of feels. I can't slap a bass because I felt all the finesse was stripped from it. Slap and Funk to me are world's apart. Funk is Louis Satterfield, Carol Kaye, Jerry Jemmott, Rick Danko and all these unknown Caribbean guys on obscure 45's I would devour. None of those cats slapped but these are just my justifications for never working at it. At 70, in boon docks, guess I'm just gonna have to leave all that alone. Mr. Clarke, damn! Been listening to you for how many years? Watching this video is terrific. I feel an intimate connection. Max Bennett and Jerry Jemmott have been supportive in terms of nice things to say. But that's about the extent of my "career" on bass guitar.

For those of us who aspire to be a musician, there is much wisdom in this video. So great to see that Stanley is first and foremost, a gentleman and a scholar, who has a lifelong love of playing music.

Great Story about Light as a feather.

Great stuff. Like reading a bass magazine with all of the different topics. You can subtitle the episode, "The Many Stages of My Beard"

Such an honor to be here. Among the few marvels youtube can offer.

Mr Clarke is spot on. Being prepared will get you many gigs when you may not be perceived to be the best or have the most chops. Consistency and preparation weill beat sheer talent in most (not all cases), since musical directors need cats that do the intangibles that make a difference in a show. As I've becomes an older, mature bassist, even with 52 years in the business, I still get calls for shows that I know could have gone to someone else with maybe more chops or flash. I'm grateful that monster bass cats like you, Stanley Clarke, are willing to share their wisdom, even above and beyond the playing, because those are the nuggets for success we can all learn from if we're willing to listen and apply. Thanks for all your great inspirational playing AND your wisdom, Mr Clarke! You're one of the cats that still motivates me and my playing all these years later!

I've been with you since Return to Forever and George Duke etc. You started that thumping. I'd be calling everybody telling them about you. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty of the Bass guitar

Free knowledge from one of the greatest bassists in history. Priceless.

Yes yes yes yes. Be prepared

Bonjour de France Stanley; dans tes premiers fans depuis Lopsy Lu depuis 1974. Merci pour tous tes moments de musique.

Lopsy Lu caught me of guard and got me emotional. It brought tears to my ears, so beautifull. Thanks!!

That a Flashback to the Romantic Warrior ... Return to Forever ... would seem to Be a Must ... For those that Already know This ... Ooohhhh , Good ! For others ... The Experience should Be Uplifting ... Don't Be Suprized , if an Immediate Understanding ... is at a Distance ... Hearing it ... May bring you Closer ... But , Doing That ... Wow ! Nearly Unimaginable ! But , they Did iT ! Enjoy !

Stanley is the coolest person in the universe and you could never convince me otherwise.

Enjoyed the whole Program. Clayton with his brushes and you Playing brought a smile to my face Great Show Wow!

I just want to say thank you Mr Clarke for this generous offering you’re time experience and wisdom plus the great interviews with these master musicians in these trying times works like this inspire me and musicians alike again thank you for the music which continues to inspire me to become a better musician much blessings and respect to you and may the universe conspire to keep us all positive and safe🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

Stanley is just always inspiring.

Very Very Wise ...very very important

You will always be my hero Stanley. The details of life come out in listening to you play. I feel your moods whenever I hear you play. So glad we have met. Thank you for this inspirational memo "Being Prepared" is what Life is all about!!!

Whoever is doing the editing and all that for this is doing a great job! Please keep this format of video coming!

Outstanding beginning to an informative foray into the land of "Bass". Back in the seventies when I bought my first album "School Days" I knew that my bass and I would be following the trail this master blazed. Fifty years and many concerts and sessions later he is still the best. There are some really good players working in the business these days, but there is only one I deem ethereal. He is Stanley Clarke. "The Highlander". There can be only one.

Mr. Stanley Clarke = Legend’s Legend Saw him preform numerous times and always was dynamic and “with the crowd”..Thank you for the years of great music, memories and influence..btw yesterday’s princess’s singing is legendary 🎵

After I left Music school at 21 years of age, I also thought I new it all. Then I did a gig where I got it all wrong. That taught me an incredible lesson in how to be humble, that you couldn't do enough practice, and that every gig should be treated as the first gig ever. Your show is great Stan. I've seen you so many times, but the last time was in Manchester, England, I was at the front, and after an amazing set, you slapped my hand as you left the stage. I was truly blessed that night.

What a great first episode by the GOAT bassists.

Verdine and Stanley in the same room oh my my my what finess! Oh yeah great info too!

The great Stanley Clarke on being prepared this professional is so on point. Hey Stan you don't age bro , looking sharp on point and in charge...

Art will never die.... Thanks sooooo much!!!

This is giving me life. I feel better about myself as a writer and bassist.

It looks like all those School Days paid off! You Sir, are definitely prepared!

There's a new sheriff in town...

Stanley Clarke on RU-vid ???! Best thing that has happened during pandemic!

My former downstairs neighbor , the great pianist Benny Green went to a club to audition for Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers.. He was not alone, several fine players went down there but Benny got it the job. . Why? Because the others learned “The Hits” like “Moanin’ and “Along Came Betty”.. Benny memorized the entire book and was able to play anything Blakey called. Fast forward several years later and Benny’s auditioning for the Ray Brown trio w drummer Jeff Hamilton . Ray tells him to pick some tunes in their repertoire that he felt comfortable with. Finally at the audition , Ray asked him which tunes of the trio’s he had learned . “All Of Them “ replied Benny . “C’mon” Ray said .. But sure enough , Benny knew EVERY TUNE Ray called COLD. After the audition Ray said to Jeff Hamilton , “I can’t believe that kid knew all the songs”.. They played a gig and a few months later Benny has hired permanently as a trio member for the next six years.

Thank you, Mr. Clarke for the wealth of knowledge.

Thank you, you are why i play bass

Lopsy Lu was the First Song that I heard that made me Find out about Stanley Clarke. A Friend who is a Drummer had a Band and they was playing in this youth Center, and he told me to Stop by. and I did, Only to hear this guy on the Bass playing Lopsy Lu. I thought he was the baddest Bass Player at the time. I went to talk to him, I said I Never heard a Bass Player play like that before. he ☺️ and said Look Up Stanley Clarke. and I've been Following Stanley Clarke Ever Since. This was in 1975 or 76. True Story.

Nice glasses, Bootsy would be jealous. Beside this, a really great moment with these amazing musicians.

Mr. Clarke, I'm speechless with too much to say. Drumming for 40+ years I so relate to how this episode "Being Prepared" strikes home. Having listened quite intently to Lenny White while I was still cutting my teeth as a young drummer I fell into that relationship between Drums and Bass and haven't looked back. Then I was fortunately blessed to strand in the wings at my local shed venue to watch Mr. Verdine White, as you can imagine his playing and musicianship was spot on but, it was the infectious smile and his eye contact with crowd was my take away that evening. A valuable lesson to be sure Thank you Mr. Clarke for taking time out of your day to share you insight, Looking forward to Ep. 2. " Stop looking at you Shoe Tops". Cheers,

world class pure sophistication

Stan the man period.!!! Just like you to do everything first class. Like when you broke into the music seen with your 1st self title album, to being the true bassist front man. 1st bassist movie and TV show producer, Now such a well produced , polished, informative 👌 👏 👍video. What an insight to the world of bass. You are still inspiring me now( in my 60's) As you did, when I was in my teens. Long time fan and admirer. I've been to over 20 of your concerts, shows.🤩 Over the years. Never was fortunate to get to meet you personally.😥 I got close a few times. I hope 🙏 😌 that can change in the future. (After this pandemic). With the video and Bass series, you brought my dream to life of a bass world planet where you are the mayor, governor, & King, and all of it citizens are bass players. Thanks again. 😀😃😁😆 . Sorry for being so long, but you mean that much and more to me. Thank God for you and thank you,, for sharing, caring, teaching and preaching the world of bass. From this Ace to the ultimate grand master 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Supreme Ace of the BASS!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🤘🖖👍🏿👏🏾💯🤩🤯🥳🙏👏🏾

Stanley; you are the best. I’m a 79 year old listener of an eclectic array of music. Though primarily jazz and rock. I first heard you playing school days and I’ve been a fan ever since. I’m looking forward to your next video. Thanks so much.

Words of wisdom from the master it self , im just an amateur wannabe Bass player and just sit and play whatever , studied classical guitar from 7 to 10 Y/O and read Solfeo etc. , late on 18 i tryed Bass with a jazz teacher but i was unable to return to reading ( frustrating ) , at the time 70' i heard a whole lot of music from Ten Years After , Led Zep , RTF ,Mahavishnu , Yes into the 80' Metal etc.since then i just play by ear Bass and Guitar but the ghost still chase me " One day i will read Music again , Thanks Stanley !.

I first got hip to Stanley on the arsenio hall show, back in the 90's. Been a fan. Recently I broke my leg and now we are lock down, so I got me a bass, fender bronco, and as of 11/14/20 I begun my musical journey. Learning fundamentals and this well produced video is so enlighting, subscribed and will patiently wait for #2, Any Clarke tutorials on RU-vid they anyone knows about, thanks for being inspiration Stanley!

I have been to several of shows that involved you individually (Blues Alley, D.C., with the late, great George Duke, and with RTF. I have amassed a number of your albums (CD's) and albums you have played on. In each and every instance, you have consistently performed as the consummate professional. I also have watched your career turn to "elder statesman" among bass players, (which appears to be difficult for some performers to do publicly). My heart was warmed by a RU-vid video of you and Louis Johnson performing (a personal musical hero of mine as well), as you clearly embraced a style not born of the musical culture you developed from. Congrats on your career, skill, and artistic growth, and I hope your life, family and friends have prospered to the same degree.

Stanley, I have always been a fan. You just keep getting better with time! Much respect my brother...

Very inspiring! Thank you Stanley!!

Every minute of this first episode was packed with extremely useful and priceless information..

This is beautiful Stanley

I didnt even listen to the video yet...Stanley Clarke with a channel?? You damn right I subscribed....EXPEDIOUSLY!!!

Stanley Clark I am so Glad you made this Video Awsom I Met George Duke in The Sacramento area Consumnes College a few years ago what a Blast I told him he ask me do I Play Guitar cause I had a Guitar T Shirt on I said no I Play Sax with Mike Harris from Earth Wind and Fire he said " I Know Him" I;m glad I was able to meet him he signed my CD I purchased of his Bless You CHAMP

Awesome first Episode! Thank you Stanley! Your biggest fan from the Netherlands :-)

beautiful !!!

Awesome!!

This was so well done and educational that I can’t wait to share it my friends that are musically inclined. I haven’t had this feeling in a long time! It was like back in the day when I got a new album and couldn’t wait to play it for my friends... I’m so excited for you! Looking forward to the next episode. Cheers

Amazing!

Can't wait for next series! Great Job Stanley ! Wow !

Thanks Stanley!!!

This. Is. Brilliant.

Love those glasses👑🎸🎻🎼🎵🎶🪈🪇🪘🥁🎷🪗🎸🎹🎺🎻🪕🎧🎤🎛🎹🎙

Awesome..!!!💯

Priceless, Stanley, loved all of this information, and you presented it, well...

Thank You Stanley!!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed every single bit of this! Looking forward to the next.

Inspiring and priceless. Thank you, Stanley!

Words of wisdom. Thank you so much!!!

I loved it, I need this stuff, straight to the subject very informative and excellent advice. I'm in for the all the episodes to come.

This is amazing, thank you Stanley!

Absolutely brilliant!!!! Thank you Stanley love you brother!!!

Now this is worth watching.

Thank You Sir!

A first class musician with first class advices. Just one word "Amazing". Greetings from Turkey 👏👏👏👏 and 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Legend. My idol. Thank you sir.

Sweet. Perfect way to start my musical day... Thanks, Stanley. Looking forward to the series!

Thank you for sharing your gift & wisdom with us. Peace, Love & Respect Always.

Always a pleasure to see Stanley playing nice parts ! A great 1st episode ! Thank you very much.

....so great....made my day...

thank you Master Stanley Clarke for this amazing invaluable video very interesting and excellent advice, I love

There is really great advice and playing in this. Excellent video production too! The one positive thing about COVID is the cultivation of the arts by musicians on YT. I've discovered so many new musicians and music I don't normally listen too. Thanks Stanley and others.

Thank you so much Stanley. I needed all of that!

Very nice of you , thank you Mr Stanley Clark !

Thank you!

Amazing episode! I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing more. Bravo!

NICE...

Thank You Stanley! You are absolutely on the Mount Rushmore of bass. ( come back to Boston!)

that's brilliant!

Thanks a lot for your music, Stanley and the whole program. Keep groovin'. A big hug from Brazil.

Oooooooooweee. . Am loving this

You & Clayton - simply excellent!!! Best wishes to you & all from Essex ✌️

Sharing what you have learned with others is a blessing, thank you Stanley!

Thank you!!

amazing! Thank you so much

Thanks for that Mr. Stanley

Great episode,amazing content,very informative and inspiring,looking for more ✌️

Beyond cool!!

So refreshing and enlightening ,Stanley thanks for letting us into your world ,awesome !!

This is awesome !!

Your first two albums opened my ears and doors to a lifetime of music. You started me on my pathway to appreciating jazz. I ll always be grateful.