Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Drums - Ginger Baker
I think we need to go with a vintage drummer such as Ginger Baker, who played in bands like Cream and Blind Faith, because he was a machine. There's no other word for it. I used to play drums, it was the first instrument I learnt, and although I never really got into Cream that much, I used to drum along to what he was doing on record because I thought he was great.
Bass - Pino Palladino
He's D'Angelo's bass player (as well as many others) and I think he's the one when it comes to contemporary, innovative and solid bass playing. He's a skinny old Welsh white dude who has ended up playing for people like The Roots; he's the go-to guy.
Horn - Chet Baker
He's the original rock'n'roll star even though he came 15 years before it. He was a bit of a loose cannon, but I guess every band needs one. He played trumpet beautifully and he had an incredible voice so he can do vocals too.
Guitar - Marv Tarplin
He played guitar for The Miracles and co-wrote "The Tracks of My Tears" with Smokey Robinson. He made the most soulful guitar sounds.
Vocals - Donny Hathaway and Method Man
Method Man can be the hype man and get all nasty. Throughout my life I've been a bit of a Wu-Tang Clan fan and he was always my favourite. The track he did with D'Angelo, "Break Ups 2 Make Ups", is so cheesy but it's amazing; it still gives me goosebumps when I hear it. No one delivers a song or writes a song more beautifully than Donny Hathaway, so if we're talking fantasy, he's got to be on lead vocals.
'The Lateness of the Hour' is out now (www.alexclare.com)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments