Stanley Clarke©Andrea Canter

Two of the most imposing, influential figures in modern jazz, bassist Stanley Clarke and keyboardist George Duke have been working in duo on and off for the past thirty years. They now bring their talents together as they stop at the Dakota Jazz Club for four blazing sets over two nights, June 18-19.

Best know for his fusion work of the 70s, Stanley Clarke is one of the most influential bassists of the modern era. The Philadelphia native picked up the bass by default, as it was the only instrument available when he showed up for the school orchestra. History proved it was a fit, however, as his early years were spent in the company of Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Dexter Gordon, Gato Barbieri, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea, Pharoah Sanders, Gil Evans and Stan Getz. In addition to his famed stint with Return to Forever, Clarke released one of the most influential bass recordings of all time, the solo “School Days.” Over the years Clarke has collaborated with Jean-Luc Ponty, Al DiMeola, Lenny White, and Bela Fleck, among others. With George Duke, he formed half of the Clarke/Duke Project in the late 70s. His unusual right-handed technique allows him a similar approach to electric as acoustic bass. Jazz in the Garden (2009) was Clarke’s first acoustic bass recording, and marked the beginning of a new collaboration with young pianist Hiromi. In 2010, he released The Stanley Clarke Band (Heads Up), combining electric and acoustic bass, and featuring recent touring partners, keyboardist Rusian Sirota, drummer Ronald Bruner, and Hiromi. Other projects of the past few years have included a reunion tour with Return to Forever and trio performances with Corea and White.

George Duke

Together now for 30 years, Clarke and Duke reached the Top 20 with “Sweet Baby” in 1981 and collaborated to date on three albums during 80s and early 90s, including their Grammy nominated first release, Clark/Duke Project (volume 1). Their shows at the Dakota will be nothing short of extraordinary.

The Dakota Jazz Club is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Tickets at 612-332-5299 or www.dakotacooks.com. Shows at 7 and 9 pm on June 18-19.

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