| Jazz, Jazz Fusion |
It is with this new album that the ever-smiling Mike Stern joins the Mack Avenue family and, in the process, surrounds himself with a stellar lineup of artists including Chris Potter, Jim Beard, Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez, Richard Bona, and Dennis Chambers. These are personalities who have shared the stage on various occasions and know each other inside out, resulting in a jazz fusion album that is both inventive and highly respectable. What sets this album apart is the way it integrates the very foundations of jazz into its 11 tracks. Mike Stern is more brilliant and vibrant than ever, and this album radiates a true joy of life!
The advantage of being Mike Stern is having worked with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, The Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Béla Fleck, Yellowjackets, and many others… and you can easily recognize some of these influences in this album. Mike Stern’s vision of jazz defies the usual conventions, boldly disregards the rules to craft stories that are remarkably staged. Upon reflection, this artist has successfully written his own jazz story over the years, giving this album a shine as great as the best Weather Report albums.
And if you think I’m going overboard with superlatives for this guitarist, I find comfort in knowing I’m not the only one. In fact, back in 2012, *Guitar Player* magazine said of him: “One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Mike Stern possesses the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the compelling drive of Wes Montgomery, and the turbulent, saturated attack of Jimi Hendrix. Having grown up in the Washington, D.C. area, Stern revered these three guitar immortals, along with powerful blues guitarists like Albert and B.B. King. You can hear the major influences of these artists in his playing across the 18 albums he has released as a leader, or in his acclaimed work as a sideman for Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, David Sanborn, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Joe Henderson, and the All-Star group Four Generations of Miles.”
In 1997, *Best Jazz Guitarist* remarked: “One of the finest jazz guitarists since his debut with Miles Davis’ famous comeback band in the early 1980s, Stern has earned the respect of his peers and critics alike, while having a considerable influence on a generation of young musicians. A guitarist of formidable technique, he continues to impress and inspire guitar enthusiasts with his harmonious blend of bebop virtuosity, fiery rock intensity, and unusual lyricism. As noted by Jon Chappell of *Guitar* magazine: ‘Stern is not only a wizard on the fretboard but also a sincere, mature composer of great depth.’ Combining the legato approach of great jazz saxophonists such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson, with touches borrowed from rock (for example, distortion and delay pedals, along with urgent bendings inherited from his youthful blues heroes, B.B. King and Buddy Guy), Stern has succeeded in creating a singular voice that comfortably bridges the worlds of rock and jazz.”
This album’s perfection is a testament to the genius of Mike Stern, who definitively marks jazz history in the most beautiful, stylish, and elegant way. For such a renowned musician, the path to becoming an “Essential” artist feels almost like a birthright…
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 17th 2024
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