Known for his ferocious dexterity and consummate musicality, Clarke is a true pioneer in jazz and jazz fusion. Providing support for such legends as Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Pharaoh Saunders, Gil Evans, Stan Getz early in his career, Clarke raised his profile further as an original member with Chick Corea in the groundbreaking fusion outfit Return To Forever.

His contributions to classic RTF albums like 'Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy' and 'Romantic Warrior' as well as his own successful solo releases 'Stanley Clarke' and 'School Days' changed the role of the electric and acoustic bass in the jazz world and beyond, particularly his adroit refinement of Sly and the Family Stone bassist Larry Graham's percussive slap-and-pop funk technique. The classic line-up of the group had a celebrated reunion this past year, with Clarke rejoining Corea, drummer Lenny White and guitarist Al DiMeola for a round of concerts that produced a live album and DVD.

Though Clarke focuses much of his time on composing soundtracks these days, he still keeps his virtuoso chops razor sharp with frequent live tours either fronting his own talented group or collaborating with other top-flight players like DiMeola and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty (in the Rites of Strings trio). Clarke comes to Yoshi's San Francisco leading his first all-acoustic trio featuring White playing drums and Corea protege Hiromi on piano. Expect plenty of fireworks when this high-powered threesome takes the stage.

Stanley Clarke Trio with Hiromi and Lenny White Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.(2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday) $5-$32 Yoshi's SF