ALICANTE COUNCIL AUDITORIUM
*** ½
N’4EVER tour stanley clarke
ALICANTE COUNCIL AUDITORIUM
*** ½
Stanley Clarke’s N’4EVER Tour. fijazz 2023
The Alicante International Jazz Festival returns with a rich summer lineup, highlighting a standout evening by the quartet 4EVER led by the legendary bass icon Stanley Clarke. Clarke, a foundational figure in fusion and electric jazz, helped craft a sound that marries technical mastery with fearless experimentation. His work with Return to Forever and the lasting legacy of Romantic Warrior continue to resonate through this performance, while selections from that era mingle with fresh interpretations. The band also explored pieces reminiscent of the period, weaving expansive rhythms that honor history while embracing contemporary sensibilities.
The concert delivered arrangements that absorbed rock textures, funk grooves, rhythm and blues cadences, and touches of hip hop. A vibrant blend of harmony and youthfulness defined the approach, driven by a tight, expressive ensemble. Drummer Jeremiah Collier, keyboardist Beka Gochiashvili, guitarist Colin Cook, saxophonist Emilio Modeste, and Clarke on electric and acoustic bass formed a dynamic frontline that anchored the night.
The performance drew a large audience inside the Provincial Assembly Auditorium, and the impact was as much visual as auditory. It showcased technique in motion: explosive percussion, shimmering keyboard floods, and evolving rhythmic shifts that kept fans engaged. After the storm of sound, the ensemble settled into moments of collective breath, inviting the crowd to savor the moment and anticipate the next move from this living jazz icon.
Clarke, a Philadelphia native, brought a sense of reverence to the stage and a palpable nod to longtime collaborators. Occasional vocal lines from Natasha added a human highlight, while echoes of 1970s classicism threaded through the set. The spirit of musical freedom and fearless experimentation stood as clear signs of a performance that values exploration as much as execution. The audience found themselves swept along by the journey mapped out in each track and by the set’s evolving directions.
The Alicante International Jazz Festival continues to deliver summer experiences, and the night with 4EVER demonstrated how a seasoned artist can reinvent beloved works while honoring their roots. Clarke remains a commanding presence, his four Grammy wins underscoring a career built on versatility and refinement. The rhythm section drove the evening with precision, the keyboards offered lyrical color, and the guitar and saxophone added voices that shaped a rich, layered soundscape. The project thrived on collective energy and shared momentum, inviting listeners to experience a live moment where history and innovation meet.
In the end, the set left a lasting impression on attendees in Alicante, reinforcing the festival’s reputation for showcasing bold jazz that appeals to both longtime fans and curious newcomers. The performance stood as a testament to the enduring vitality of instrumental mastery and the ongoing dialogue between classic fusion and contemporary influences. The crowd carried that energy forward, anticipating further nights of exploration and virtuosic playing that define this festival’s summer calendar.