Vulfpeck Releases Concert Film for New ‘Clarity Of Cal’ Album
Vulfpeck’s latest offering, the album Clarity Of Cal, made its debut on March 4, marking the band’s return after a three-year hiatus. Accompanying the release was a delightful surprise for fans – a concert film capturing the energy and spirit of the highly anticipated follow-up to 2022’s Schvitz.
Recorded live during shows at The UC Theatre in Berkeley and the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles last September, the 11-track album features Vulfpeck founders Joe Dart, Jack Stratton, Woody Goss, and Theo Katzman, along with supporting members Joey Dosik, Antwaun Stanley, Cory Wong, Charles Jones, and Jacob Jeffries. The album, produced by Jack Stratton, showcases the band’s signature blend of funk, soul, and R&B, continuing to push musical boundaries and experiment with their sound.
The concert film, directed and edited by Carter Knopik, captures the essence of Vulfpeck’s live performances at the Hollywood Palladium on September 23 and 24, 2024. The footage features intimate moments with the band members, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and dynamic stage presence. Notably, Jack Stratton can be seen at the beginning of the film, lying on a yoga mat, setting a relaxed tone for the evening, as he shares the origin of the album’s title.
Stratton reveals that the title “Clarity Of Cal” was inspired by his father, who frequently quoted the phrase from a Jack Kerouac prose poem. Reflecting on its significance, Stratton explains, “It’s from a Jack Kerouac prose poem that I don’t even think he remembered, but the phrase stuck. I’m just using that filter…it stuck in his brain for 50 years or whatever, and that’s good enough. Just see what sticks.” This personal anecdote adds a layer of depth and meaning to the album, infusing it with a sense of nostalgia and familial connection.
Each track on Clarity Of Cal showcases the band members’ exceptional talents, with standout moments like Theo Katzman’s soulful performance on “Tender Defender,” Joe Dart’s impressive bass work on “New Beastly,” and Antwaun Stanley’s powerful vocals on the opening track “Big Dipper.” Joey Dosik’s saxophone solo on “The Heist” and the anthemic closer “This Is Not The Song I Wrote” add further layers of depth and complexity to the album, making it a must-listen for fans of Vulfpeck’s unique sound.
In conclusion, Vulfpeck’s Clarity Of Cal album and concert film offer a captivating and immersive experience for listeners, showcasing the band’s evolution and growth as musicians. With their innovative approach to funk and soul music, Vulfpeck continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their infectious energy and creativity.