1986 · Album
Alone/But Never Alone
Recorded 1986 · GRP Records · Produced by Larry Carlton and David Foster
Carlton's Intimate Studio Meditation
A quieter, more introspective Carlton than fans knew, trading the session grind for patient solo exploration.
By 1986, Larry Carlton had spent years as one of LA's most dependable session guitarists—first at the Roxy Theatre, then on countless studio dates. Alone/But Never Alone marked a deliberate pivot: a chance to step away from sideman work and sit with his own voice in the studio, unrushed and uncompromised. The album's title itself signals Carlton's frame of mind—solitude as a choice, not isolation.
What emerges is meditative rather than flashy. Carlton plays with real restraint here, letting space breathe between phrases. Abraham Laboriel on bass and Rick Marotta on percussion provide subtle anchors; Terry Trotter adds texture on synthesizer without cluttering the soundscape. This is not the fiery fusion or slick session work Carlton was known for. Tracks unfold slowly, emphasizing tone and mood over technique. The guitar sounds almost confessional—a man thinking out loud. Michael Fisher on additional percussion rounds out the palette, but sparingly.
The record matters because it showed Carlton was capable of something deeper than efficiency. It's not his most celebrated work, and it won't appeal to listeners seeking the high-octane energy of his session prime. But for those interested in how a working musician sounds when given permission to be reflective, this is the place to look. It confirmed he could sustain a listener's attention with nothing but presence and craft.
Who's playing
Abraham Laborielbass
Larry Carltonguitar
Terry Trottersynthesizer
Michael Fisherpercussion
Rick Marottamembranophone
