Children of Forever

Where they were

By the time 'Children of Forever' was released in 1973, Stanley Clarke had already established himself as a prominent bassist in jazz fusion. This album followed his work with Chick Corea's Return to Forever and signified a bold step into solo artistry, showcasing his ability to blend various genres while exploring complex musical themes.

Why it matters

The album is significant for its exploration of jazz fusion during a transformative era in music, garnering critical acclaim for its innovative compositions. It highlighted Clarke's virtuosity on the bass and influenced many subsequent artists in the genre, contributing to the rise of jazz-funk.

Essential tracks

• "Children of Forever" — This title track exemplifies Clarke's mastery of the bass as both a melodic and rhythmic instrument, creating an expansive soundscape that captures the essence of the album.
• "Bass Folk Song" — In this track, Clarke explores traditional tonalities while pushing the boundaries of how the bass can convey emotion, blending folk influences with jazz sensibilities.
• "Sea Journey" — At over 16 minutes long, this epic piece showcases Clarke's improvisational skills and compositional depth, taking listeners on a sonic voyage through dynamic shifts and textures.