Description
Stanley Clarke – The Toys Of Men (CD Album)
Product Details
Key Product Information
- Title: The Toys Of Men
- Artist/Producer: Stanley Clarke
- Format: CD, Album (Unofficial Release)
- Label: Heads Up International (2) – HUCD 3128
- Country: Russia
- Released: 2007
- Genre: Jazz, Rock
- Style: Fusion
- UPC: 053361312824
- Produced By: Stanley Clarke
- Executive Producer: Dave Love
- Mastered By: Bernie Grundman
- Design: Robert Hoffman
- Recording & Engineering:Photography (Cover): Carlos Armando
- Chris Papastaphanou (Tracks 3, 4, 6, 11)
- Ed Thacker (Tracks 1, 2, 7-10, 12)
- Gerry Brown (Track 5)
- Stanley Clarke (Track 13)
- Additional Information:
- Heads Up is a division of Telarc International Corp.
- Contact Address for Heads Up: 23309 Commerce Park Road, Cleveland, OH 44122; Tel: 216.765.7381; Fax: 216.464.6037; Email: headsup@headsup.com
- For official details, visit www.headsup.com
Overview
"The Toys Of Men" is an expansive and adventurous fusion journey helmed by renowned bassist and composer Stanley Clarke. This unofficial release brings together an eclectic mix of compositions that blend elements of jazz, rock, and funk into a cinematic musical narrative. The album unfolds over 13 tracks, each of which is intricately crafted to tell a story—from the epic, multi-part title track “The Toys Of Men” (11:13) that moves from draconian themes to cosmic interventions and godlike enlightenment, to playful and introspective pieces like “Back In The Woods” and “Bass Folk Song No.6.”
Featuring extraordinary contributions from talented musicians including vocal interludes by Esperanza Spalding on select tracks, dynamic guitar work by Jef Lee Johnson, and the inventive keyboard textures of Ruslan Sirota, "The Toys Of Men" is a celebration of musical virtuosity. With a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation, the album delivers a sonic palette that is both intricate and powerful—a true testament to Stanley Clarke’s pioneering artistry.
Product Features
Format & Presentation
- Audio Quality & Packaging:
This CD is presented in a standard jewel case with professionally designed cover art by Carlos Armando. The set is mastered by the acclaimed Bernie Grundman, ensuring high-fidelity sound that captures every nuance of Clarke’s intricate arrangements. - Collectible Appeal:
As an unofficial release from Heads Up International, this album is a coveted item for fans of fusion and collectors of Stanley Clarke’s extensive work. The album’s packaging and liner notes provide insightful background on the creative process and the collaborative contributions of the musicians involved.
Musical Attributes
- Fusion of Genres:
“The Toys Of Men” seamlessly blends elements of jazz, rock, and funk. It features:Dynamic Range:- Epic Compositions:
The title track is divided into six distinct parts—Draconian, Fear, Chaos, Cosmic Intervention, The Opening of the Gates, and God Light—culminating in an 11:13 epic that sets the thematic tone of the album. - Eclectic Instrumentation:
Stanley Clarke showcases his virtuosity on both electric and acoustic bass, supported by stellar performances from guest musicians such as Jef Lee Johnson on guitar, Ruslan Sirota on keyboards and acoustic piano, and Mads Tolling on violin. - Notable Collaborations:
Vocals from Esperanza Spalding add a lyrical dimension to tracks like “All Over Again,” lending an emotional depth to Clarke’s compositions.
- Epic Compositions:
From the expansive, narrative-driven title track to shorter, punchier pieces such as “Bad Asses” and “Broski,” the album takes the listener on a journey through diverse musical landscapes.
Track Listing
- The Toys Of Men – 11:13
- Part 1: Draconian
- Part 2: Fear
- Part 3: Chaos
- Part 4: Cosmic Intervention
- Part 5: The Opening Of The Gates
- Part 6: God Light
- Come On – 3:00
- Bass: Stanley Clarke; Drums: Ronald Bruner Jr.; Guitar: Jef Lee Johnson; Keyboards: Ruslan Sirota
- Written by Mads Tolling, Ronald Bruner Jr., Ruslan Sirota, and Stanley Clarke
- Jerusalem – 6:14
- Acoustic Bass: Stanley Clarke; Guitars: Michael Landau; Keyboards & Programming: Ruslan Sirota
- Written by Ruslan Sirota and Stanley Clarke
- Back In The Woods – 1:25
- Acoustic Bass by Stanley Clarke; Written by Stanley Clarke
- All Over Again – 5:02
- Bass, Programming: Stanley Clarke; Drums: Ronald Bruner Jr.; Keyboards: Ruslan Sirota
- Lyrics & Vocals: Esperanza Spalding; Written by Stanley Clarke
- Hmm Hmm – 1:52
- Acoustic Bass by Stanley Clarke; Written by Stanley Clarke
- Bad Asses – 5:02
- Drums: Ronald Bruner Jr.; Tenor Bass: Stanley Clarke; Written by Stanley Clarke
- Game – 3:15
- Bass: Stanley Clarke; Drums: Ronald Bruner Jr.; Guitar: Jef Lee Johnson; Keyboards: Phil Davis*
- Written by Stanley Clarke
- La Cancion De Sofia – 3:06
- Acoustic Bass: Stanley Clarke; Acoustic Piano: Ruslan Sirota; Drums: Ronald Bruner Jr.; Percussion: Paulinho Da Costa; Violin: Mads Tolling; Written by Stanley Clarke
- El Bajo Negro – 7:42
- Acoustic Bass by Stanley Clarke; Written by Stanley Clarke
- Broski – 1:58
- Acoustic Bass by Stanley Clarke; Written by Stanley Clarke
- Châteauvallon 1972 (Dedicated to Tony Williams) – 5:22
- Acoustic Bass: Stanley Clarke; Acoustic Piano: Ruslan Sirota; Drums: Ronald Bruner Jr.; Written by Stanley Clarke
- Bass Folk Song No. 6 – 2:51
- Acoustic Bass by Stanley Clarke; Written by Stanley Clarke
Interesting Facts
- Pioneering Fusion:
Stanley Clarke, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the jazz fusion genre, brings his signature style to "The Toys Of Men." This album reflects his dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical expression by merging complex rhythms with expressive lyrical themes. - Dedication to a Legend:
The track “Châteauvallon 1972” is dedicated to Tony Williams, further connecting the work to the legacy of jazz innovation and virtuosity. - Collaborative Mastery:
The album features stellar performances and collaborations from a group of highly regarded musicians, creating a rich, layered sound that appeals to fusion enthusiasts and broad musical audiences alike. - Diverse Musical Landscapes:
With tracks that range from epic multi-part compositions to succinct, spirited interludes, "The Toys Of Men" offers an immersive musical experience that captures the essence of fusion—combining technical mastery with creative experimentation.
Publishers & Additional Information
This album is an unofficial release under Heads Up International (HUCD 3128) from 2007, produced in Russia. For further inquiries or to explore additional releases by Heads Up International, please visit www.headsup.com or contact the provided address at 23309 Commerce Park Road, Cleveland, OH 44122.
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Hashtags
English:
#StanleyClarke #TheToysOfMen #Fusion #JazzFunk #JazzRock #JazzFusion #StanleyClarkeAlbum #HeadsUpInternational #EsperanzaSpalding #TonyWilliamsDedication
