Biography
Born on 22 November 1941 in New Haven, Connecticut, McClure first took up the accordion at age five and later performed on piano during his high-school years. After enrolling at the Julius Hartt Conservatory in Hartford to study bass, he graduated in 1963 and continued his training in composition under Hall Overton and Don Sebesky. By the time he entered Charles Lloyd’s band in 1967, McClure had already accompanied Wes Montgomery alongside Buddy Rich, Herbie Mann and Wynton Kelly. Lloyd’s widely acclaimed ensemble carried McClure across global stages; afterward he settled back in San Francisco as a founding member of the fusion outfit Fourth Way.
He next spent time in Blood, Sweat And Tears, then established himself as a New York session musician. In that capacity McClure recorded with singers Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick and the Pointer Sisters as well as instrumentalists Thelonious Monk, Gary Burton and Joe Henderson. Joining Al DiMeola’s group in 1985 led to further associations with Michel Petrucciani and George Russell. McClure’s bass work is marked by firm, steady lines punctuated by rhythmic fills executed on open strings against the fretboard. He has also held teaching posts at the Berklee College Of Music in 1971 and at Long Island University from 1983 to 1985.
He next spent time in Blood, Sweat And Tears, then established himself as a New York session musician. In that capacity McClure recorded with singers Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick and the Pointer Sisters as well as instrumentalists Thelonious Monk, Gary Burton and Joe Henderson. Joining Al DiMeola’s group in 1985 led to further associations with Michel Petrucciani and George Russell. McClure’s bass work is marked by firm, steady lines punctuated by rhythmic fills executed on open strings against the fretboard. He has also held teaching posts at the Berklee College Of Music in 1971 and at Long Island University from 1983 to 1985.
Albums