Nathan East

The résumé of bassist Nathan East ranges from work with Barbara Streisand and Eric Clapton to Michael Jackson. Nonetheless, this self-titled effort is his first album under his own name. Not surprisingly, a lot of his pals stop by to lend a hand. This means Stevie Wonder plays harmonica on his own classic “Overjoyed” and Michael McDonald sings a soulful big band version of the Van Morrison classic “Moondance.” Vocalist Sara Bareilles stands out as well when she adds her considerable pipes to the orchestral “I Can Let Go Now.” Elsewhere, the bassist brings the vibe down for the celestial “Letter from Home,” the Brazilian-flavored “SeveNate,” and the orchestral jazz of “Moodswing.” Riding high from his appearance on Daft Punk’s *Random Access Memory*, East and Ray Parker Jr. put their own smooth jazz spin on the French band\'s Eurofunk-disco with “Daft Funk.” If that weren\'t enough, the smoldering new version of “Can’t Find My Way Home” includes Eric Clapton. Really, this is like a highlights reel for one of the best and most versatile bassists in the business.