Stanley Clarke

When I got on Facebook in 2009, you know when it was fun, I used to post memories from the road. The focus of most of these stories were from the perspective of, what am Idoing here?!

Anyway, after seeing so many posts wishing Stanley Clarke a Happy Birthday an odd event came to mind.

In 1975 and 76 we C.T.S. spent rehearsal and showcase time at SIR in Manhattan, where we were living while not on the road. Their were about six rooms with sound and lights. There were about 12 to 15 seats for family, friends and potential agents. Anvil road cases were all along the walls.

Now I had been a huge Stanley fan since the School Days record. One day we were rehearsing and I went out to the lobby and sat next to one of these cases. As soon as I looked up, Stanley came by and set some charts on the case next to me. He said Hi! I was like Ralph Kramden and couldn't speak, just Hamina, Hamina..Hamina... Finally I said Stanley I'm a student of yours!

You're the greatest! When I was done gushing he said why don't you come in? We're working on a tune of Lenny's. I accepted and now I'm in their rehearsal ALONE! What am I doing here? This is Return to Forever! I may have run out and got JP or Jimmy but I watched them work on this song which the drummer charted for Chick, Al and Stanley. The first time they read and played it, it was good to release in my opinion.

I had a couple other weird encounters there which I'll share sometime.