JIM HALL — Dialogues (1995) Telarc 20, Telarc Jazz Series | Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless + FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Jim Hall has long been one of the most open-minded of the important stylists to emerge during the 1950s, and his harmonically advanced style remains quite modern while hinting at its foundations in bop. For this Telarc CD, Hall teams up with five major players on two numbers apiece: Guitarists Bill Frisell and Mike Stern, Joe Lovano on tenor, flugelhornist Tom Harrell, and Gil Goldstein on accordion. Bassist Scott Colley and drummer Andy Watson are on the Frisell and Lovano tracks, and part of the Harrell and Stern performances. All of the compositions but "Skylark" are Hall originals and, although they are usually a bit dry, there are some exceptions: "Uncle Ed" and "Frisell Frazzle" are a little nutty. The emphasis throughout is on interplay between the lead voices and advanced improvising. Despite his strong sidemen (Stern and Harrell fare best), Jim Hall ends up as the dominant voice on virtually every selection, making this a set his fans will enjoy. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Frisell Frazzle  4:47
Written-By – Jim Hall
2     Simple Things      6:26
Written-By – Jim Hall
3     Calypso Joe      5:17
Written-By – Jim Hall
4     Bon Ami      6:37
Written-By – Jim Hall
5     Dream Steps      4:45
Written-By – Jim Hall
6     Snowbound      6:19
Written-By – Jim Hall
7     Stern Stuff      5:12
Written-By – Jim Hall
8     Dialogue      4:34
Written-By – Jim Hall
9     Uncle Ed      5:03
Written-By – Jim Hall
10     Skylark          5:35
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael
Credits :
Guitar – Jim Hall, Bill Frisell (tracks: 1, 2), Mike Stern (tracks: 7, 9)
Accordion – Gil Goldstein (tracks: 6, 8)
Bass – Scott Colley (tracks: 1 to 4, 7, 10)
Drums – Andy Watson (tracks: 1 to 5, 7, 9, 10)
Flugelhorn – Tom Harrell (tracks: 5, 10)    
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Lovano (tracks: 3, 4)

GARY HUSBAND — Dirty & Beautiful · Volume 2 (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Rather than releasing a double album, keyboardist/drummer Gary Husband split the jazz fusion songs he recorded with high-profile guests into two separate but equal hour-long discs. It's a logical, economically feasible way to get this music out and probably makes for a better overall listening experience, too, since the sound can get wearing, even over the length of a single platter. Anyone who enjoyed the first volume from 2011 will find the same pleasures here as Husband invites mostly guitar-shredding guests such as Mike Stern, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Robin Trower, Jimmy Herring, and old pal Allan Holdsworth, among others, for a good, old-fashioned '80s fusion fest. As is typical of the genre, the line between noodling and edgy improvisation can get awfully thin and there are moments that alternate on either side of that divide. That's the case within the confines of some songs such as the ten-minute John McLaughlin extravaganza "Sulley" that goes through multiple tempo changes, winding through its extended playing time with some terrific guitar soloing and some that just meanders. Props to bassist Mark King, whose husky yet malleable playing on the track holds down the rhythm and keeps the song vital even when the leads wander. Trower's Hendrix-inspired bluesy reverb on Miles Davis' "Yesternow-Epilogue" fades in where the first set's "Yesternow-Prologue" left off in a performance that blurs the border between rock and jazz. The energized nature of the disc is tempered on a short and lovely reading of Jan Hammer's "Rain." Hammer doesn't contribute to the track, but he does appear on Holdsworth's "Fred 2011," letting Husband -- who plays both drums and keyboards on eight of the eleven cuts -- concentrate on percussion. A similar dynamic applies to John McLaughlin's "New Blues, Old Bruise," where the guitarist is M.I.A. Rather, tenor saxist Sean Freeman, whose playing is strongly influenced by Wayne Shorter, gets free rein to strut his impressive stuff, which shifts from lovely to jagged as he blows his way through the ten-minute jam. Despite the obviously overdubbed nature of Husband's double-duty instrumental work, this album, and the previous one, sounds remarkably organic. That's especially true of the funky "East River Jam" featuring a relatively dialed down Wayne Krantz, whose innovative solos seldom go where you think they will. It adds up to a tasty, if somewhat inconsistent project that will please fans of both the old-school jazz fusion genre and of the prestigious musicians who help Husband bring it home. Hal Horowitz
Tracklist :
1    If The Animals Had Guns Too 5:28
Bass – Jimmy Johnson
Guitar – Ray Russell
Keyboards, Drums – Gary Husband
Written-By – Gary Husband
2    Rolling Sevens 4:44
Bass – Teymur Phell
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards, Drums, Percussion – Gary Husband
3    New Blues, Old Bruise 10:21
Keyboards, Drums – Gary Husband
Tenor Saxophone – Sean Freeman
Written-By – John McLaughlin
4    East River Jam 3:01
Guitar – Wayne Krantz
Keyboards, Drums – Gary Husband
Written-By – Gary Husband, Wayne Krantz
5    Fred 2011 4:48
Bass – Jimmy Johnson
Drums – Gary Husband
Guitar – Allan Holdsworth
Keyboards – Jan Hammer
Written-By – Allan Holdsworth
6    Rain 2:48
Guitar – Neil Taylor
Keyboards, Drums – Gary Husband
Written-By – Jan Hammer
7    Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Brothers 6:14
Drums – Gary Husband
Guitar, Programmed By – Alex Machacek
Written-By – Alex Machacek
8    Fuguie 4:18
Keyboards – Gary Husband
Written-By – Gary Husband
9    Sulley 10:08
Bass – Mark King
Guitar – John McLaughlin
Keyboards, Drums – Gary Husband
Written-By – Gary Husband
10    England Green 2:52
Bass – Laurence Cottle
Guitar – Jimmy Herring
Keyboards, Drums – Gary Husband
Written-By – Gary Husband
11    Yesternow - Epilogue 4:52
Bass – Livingstone Brown
Guitar – Robin Trower
Keyboards, Drums – Gary Husband
Written-By – Miles Davis

DAVE WECKL | JAY OLIVER — Convergence (2014) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Apocalypso 7:24
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Mixed By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Music By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Percussion – Dave Weckl
Programmed By – Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Gary Meek
2    Sternoids 8:43
Bass Guitar – Tom Kennedy
Drums – Dave Weckl
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Mixed By – Dave Weckl
Music By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Dave Weckl
Tenor Saxophone – Gary Meek
3    Carousel 5:16
Acoustic Bass – Tom Kennedy
Cajón – Dave Weckl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Electric Bass – Tom Kennedy
Harmony Vocals – Emilie-Claire Barlow
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Lead Vocals – Emilie-Claire Barlow
Lyrics By – Jay Oliver
Mixed By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Music By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Programmed By – Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Soprano Saxophone – Gary Meek
4    Road To Connemara 8:01
Accordion [Button Accordion] – Maitin O'Connor
Cajón – Dave Weckl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Fiddle – Zoe Conway
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Mixed By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Music By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Pipe [Piper] – Maitiú Ó Casaide
Programmed By – Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Dave Weckl, Ed Kenehan, Jay Oliver
Tap Dance – Mick Donegan
5    Convergence 6:04
Acoustic Bass – Tom Kennedy
Drums – Dave Weckl
Electric Bass – Tom Kennedy
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Mixed By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Music By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Programmed By – Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Gary Meek
6    Cups (You're Gonna Miss Me) 4:16
Backing Vocals – Nita Whittaker, Raffia Ford, Will Wheaton
Drums – Dave Weckl
Guitar – Dean Brown
Harmony Vocals – Claire Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Lead Vocals – Claire Weckl
Lyrics By – A. P. Carter, Heloise Tunstall-Behrens, Luisa Gerstein
Music By – A. P. Carter, Heloise Tunstall-Behrens, Luisa Gerstein
Other [Cups] – Claire Weckl
7    Twelvin 7:27
Acoustic Bass – Tom Kennedy
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Mixed By – Dave Weckl
Music By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Dave Weckl
Tenor Saxophone – Gary Meek
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
8    Hand It Over 2:39
Drums – Dave Weckl
Mixed By – Dave Weckl
Music By – Dave Weckl
Recorded By – Dave Weckl
9    Higher Ground 5:53
Backing Vocals – Abdul Hamid Royal, Nita Whittaker, Raffia Ford
Bass Guitar – Jimmy Johnson
Drums – Chris Coleman, Dave Weckl
Guitar – Dean Brown
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Lead Vocals – Chrissi Poland
Lyrics By – Stevie Wonder
Mixed By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Music By – Stevie Wonder
Programmed By – Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Dennis Moody
Tenor Saxophone – Brandon Fields
Trombone – Eric Jorgensen
Trumpet – Michael McGuffy
10    Incantation 3:48
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Mixed By – Jay Oliver
Recorded By – Jay Oliver

STANLEY JORDAN — Friends (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Stanley Jordan's innovative touch technique, often played in a solo setting at the beginning of his career in the mid-'80s, was a breath of fresh air. He has since been an explorer open to many styles, as heard on this collaboration with a number of different musicians. He is still very much a force as a soloist, yet not one to hog the spotlight with his formidable abilities. Jordan is joined by Kenny Garrett (on soprano sax), trumpeter Nicholas Payton, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Kenwood Dennard for his blazing post-bop anthem "Capital J." The same lineup is used for the mellow contemporary ballad "Bathed in Light" with Dennard overdubbing on keyboard; the robust solos and crisp ensemble work keep things from degrading into run-of-the-mill smooth jazz. Jordan collaborates with several different guitarists. Octogenarian Bucky Pizzarelli, a master of seven-string guitar who is equally capable playing lead and rhythm, is on hand for a gently swinging, bluesy "Lil' Darlin'," while Russell Malone joins the leader and Pizzarelli for an explosive take of "Seven Come Eleven" (a tune Pizzarelli doubtlessly played many times during his time with Benny Goodman). Mike Stern accompanies Jordan for a brisk workout of "Giant Steps," with Dennard sticking to soft brushwork. Guitarist Charlie Hunter is on hand for Jordan's funky "Walkin' the Dog" and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," the latter in which the leader plays piano with one hand and guitar with the other. Perhaps the most unusual track is an adaptation of the "Romantic Intermezzo" from Béla Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra, with Jordan playing piano (his first instrument) accompanied by the brilliant violinist Regina Carter, demonstrating Jordan's love for a good melody regardless of the style of music. Jazz fans who have lost track of Stanley Jordan since his early solo recordings will have their ears opened by this diverse, successful meeting with his many friends. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Capital J    6:40
 Stanley Jordan
2    Walkin' The Dog    6:12
 Stanley Jordan
3    Lil' Darlin'    5:43
 Neal Hefti
4    Giant Steps    4:33
 John Coltrane
5    I Kissed A Girl    5:46
 Cathy Dennis / Dr. Luke / Max Martin / Katy Perry
6    Samba Delight    5:30
 Stanley Jordan
7    Seven Come Eleven    5:33
 Charlie Christian / Benny Goodman
8    Bathed In Light    7:49
 Stanley Jordan
9    Romantic Intermezzo From Bartok's Concerto For Orchestra    8:33
 Béla Bartók
10    Reverie    3:59
 Claude Debussy
11    One For Milton    4:08
 Kenwood Dennard / Stanley Jordan / Russell Malone
Credits :
Contrabass – Charnett Moffett (tracks: 5,6,10), Christian McBride (tracks: 1,8)
Drums – Kenwood Dennard (tracks: 1 to 8,10,11)
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli (tracks: 3,6), Charlie Hunter (tracks: 2,5), Mike Stern (tracks: 4), Russell Malone (tracks: 6,11), Stanley Jordan
Piano – Stanley Jordan (tracks: 5,9)
Soprano Saxophone – Kenny Garrett (tracks: 1,8), Ronnie Laws (tracks: 7)
Trumpet – Nicholas Payton (tracks: 1,8)
Violin – Regina Carter (tracks: 7,9)

BILLY COBHAM'S GLASSMENAGERIE — Stratus (1981) Serie Inak Digital, Limited Compact Disc Reference Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the companion disc to Flight Time, which was also recorded for the Inakustik label. While not quite as original as its predecessor, it is still highly recommended. A young Mike Stern had not completely developed his sound yet, but he's still unmistakable. Violinist Michal Urbaniak's presence gives Cobham classics like "Stratus," "AC/DC," and "Total Eclipse" a fresh sound. Here again, Cobham is more than willing to let his colleagues step to the forefront and offer up their unique ideas, some better than other (Gil Goldstein's "Wrapped in a Cloud" is enchanting while Landers' reggae offering, "All Hallows Eve," falls flat). The biggest disappointment here are the short song lengths, especially the early fadeout on "Brooze," but hearing Cobham and Stern together make this an essential recording for jazz-rock fans. Robert Taylor
Tracklist :
1. Stratus (4:36)
2. AC/DC (3:59)
3. Kasia (4:08)
4. All Hallow's Eve (3:17)
5. Wrapped in a Cloud (6:26)
6. Drum Solo (3:26)
7. Total Eclipse (4:11)
8. Brooze (3:52)
Personnel :
Billy Cobham - Percussion, Drums
Gil Goldstein - Piano, Keyboards
Tim Landers - Bass
Mike Stern - Guitar
Michal Urbaniak - Saxophone, Vocals, Lyricon, Violone, Electric Violin

VICTOR WOOTEN — Palmystery (2008) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Victor Wooten makes it clear in the first few seconds of Palmystery that he's the man in charge. His spellbinding, acrobatic basslines take the lead, literally, and even when he's fulfilling the traditional role of the bassist (not that there's much about his virtuosic playing that's traditional) and shining the spotlight on his collaborators, he remains the focal point. Yet Wooten, the veteran bassist of Béla Fleck & the Flecktones, is no showoff. Through mostly original compositions (the sole cover is Horace Silver's "Song for My Father") that glide easily between jazz fusion, world music, R&B, gospel, rock, and funk, through instrumental and vocal sections, improvisations and structured pieces, Wooten holds it all together -- it's nearly impossible not to listen to what he's doing with his instrument. Still, although the musicianship is never less than stellar throughout and always takes a front seat, this is not an indulgent record -- Wooten and his crew serve the songs, not vice versa, and they do so with panache. The leadoff track, "2 Timers," serves notice that this is going to be a fun listen, not a difficult one, despite the complexity often inherent: with one drummer playing in 3/4 time and the other in 4/4 (hence the title), Wooten alternately hands the reins over to violinist Eric Silver, a three-man horn section, harmonica ace Howard Levy, and brother Joseph Wooten on keyboards. Continual shifts of tempo, mood, and texture keep things lively and then, just in case it seems like this is how it might stay, the second track, the Arabian-flavored "Cambo," puts an entirely different spin on things. With lead and choired vocals by co-writer Amir Ali and Saundra Williams, Wooten lays down a solid rhythm over which brothers Joseph and guitarist Regi Wooten work out, along with Ali on violin, lute, and darbouka (an African hand drum). Each successive track expands the album's colorings: on "I Saw God," which features Richard Bona among its vocalists, Victor Wooten offers a non-religious person's impressions of his confrontation with a unisexual, philosophical, word-playing deity, while the flamenco-esque "The Lesson" pares down the cast to just Victor on bass and another Flecktone brother, Roy Wooten, supplying percussion. And so on throughout: "The Gospel" doubles up Wooten's fretted and fretless basses with ghostly vocals from the Woodard Family and a team of horns, and the Silver interpretation is spirited and swinging, with Karl Denson's tenor saxophone among the more notable solos on the record. "Us 2," the closing track, is also the quietest, Wooten laying low on basses and drum programming while Keb' Mo' peels off sleek slide guitar licks and Joseph Wooten lays down a bed of keyboards. "Sifu" utilizes Mike Stern's guitar. "Miss U," which features the Lee Boys on vocals, Roosevelt "The Doctor" Collier on pedal steel, and Alvin Lee (presumably not the Ten Years After guitarist) on guitar, is a gospelized, bluesy, soul-fried rave-up that gives Wooten a chance to show off his boogie power. Palmystery solidifies Victor Wooten's rep not only as one of the most skillful, inventive bassists on the planet but a heck of a diversified songwriter and bandleader, too. Jeff Tamarkin

Tracklist :
1    2 Timers 4:51
Harmonica – Howard Levy
Piano – Joseph Wooten
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
2    Cambo 5:25
Bass [Low] – Anthony Wellington
Written-By – Amir Ali, Victor L. Wooten
3    I Saw God 4:20
Vocals, Percussion – Richard Bona
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
4    The Lesson 5:55
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
5    Left, Right, & Center 7:11
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
6    Sifu 7:36
Bass – Regi Wooten
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
7    Miss U 4:33
Bass – Alvin "Lil' Al" Cordy
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
8    Flex 6:37
Bass [Thumb Solo] – Anthony "Flex" Wellington
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
9    The Gospel 6:40
Vocals – The Woodard Family
Written-By – Joseph Wooten, Victor L. Wooten
10    Song For My Father 5:10
Written-By – Horace Silver
11    Happy Song 4:23
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
12    Us 2 2:58
Written-By – Victor L. Wooten
Personnel:
Alto Saxophone – Rudy Wooten (tracks: 9, 11), Shawn "Thunder" Wallace (tracks: 6)
Baritone Saxophone – Jeff Coffin (tracks: 9), Karl Denson (tracks: 10)
Bass – Victor Wooten
Drums – Dennis Chambers (tracks: 5), Derico Watson (tracks: 1 to 3, 8, 10), Earl "Big E" Walker (tracks: 7), JD Blair (tracks: 1, 5, 6), Raymond Massey (tracks: 11), Will Kennedy (tracks: 5, 9)
Guitar – Alvin Lee (tracks: 7), Mike Stern (tracks: 5, 6), Regi Wooten (tracks: 2, 8, 10, 11)
Keyboards – Joseph Wooten (tracks: 1 to 3, 6 to 9, 11, 12)
Tenor Saxophone – Jeff Coffin (tracks: 1, 9)
Trombone – Barry Green (tracks: 1, 9)
Trumpet – Rod McGaha (tracks: 1, 9)
Violin – Amir Ali (tracks: 2, 8)
Violin, Mandolin – Eric Silver (tracks: 1)
Vocals – Amir Ali (tracks: 2, 6), Saundra Williams (tracks: 2, 7)
Vocals [Low] – Alvin Chea (tracks: 6)

LES ARBUCKLE - Bush Crew (1995) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     Joe 6:48
Les Arbuckle
2     Bella Donna Lee 4:32
Les Arbuckle
3     The Mermaid 6:54
Les Arbuckle
4     Bush Crew Boogaloo 6:32
Les Arbuckle
5     Quasimodo 5:12
Charlie Parker
6     Morrendo de Saudade 6:22
Les Arbuckle
7     Page 44 7:10
Les Arbuckle
8     The Rose on Dell Ave. 6:17
Les Arbuckle
Credits :
Bass – Essiet Okon Essiet
Drums – Victor Lewis
Guitar – John Abercrombie (faixas: 1, 3 to 5, 8), Mike Stern (faixas: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Les Arbuckle

MIKE STERN - Neesh (1983-2004) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The debut recording by this former Miles Davis sideman incorporates many elements of jazz, most notably fusion. This work also features David Sanborn (s). by Paul Kohler
Tracklist :     
1     Zee Frizz 6:44
Mike Stern
2     Fine Line 5:29
Mike Stern
3     Bruze 6:49
Mike Stern
4     Mumbley Peg 7:13
Mike Stern
5     Up-ology 5:16
Mike Stern
6     Banacos 1:49
Mike Stern
7     Neesh Zone 6:08
Mike Stern
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Bass Guitar – Tom Barney
Drums – Victor Lewis
Guitar, Composed By, Arranged By – Mike Stern
Percussion – Buggsy Moore
Producer, Guitar – Hiram Bullock

MIKE STERN - Upside Downside (1988) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mike Stern's debut as a leader mostly features the high-powered guitarist heading a sextet also including tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, keyboardist Mitch Forman, bassist Mark Egan, drummer Dave Weckl and percussionist Dr. Gibbs. Altoist David Sanborn makes a guest appearance on "Goodbye Again," while "Mood Swings" features the quartet of Stern, Berg, electric bassist Jaco Pastorius (with whom Stern had worked in the Word of Mouth Orchestra) and drummer Steve Jordan. The guitarist wrote or co-wrote all six selections, which generally have viable chord changes. The playing mostly fits into the genre of funky fusion, with Stern's passionate guitar heard throughout in fine form. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1    Upside Downside    5:41
Mike Stern
2    Little Shoes    5:33
Mike Stern
3    Goodbye Again    6:33
Mike Stern
4    Mood Swings    6:01
Mike Stern
5    After You    5:25
Mike Stern
6    Scuffle    6:11
Mike Stern
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn (tracks: 3)
Arranged By – Jeff Andrews (tracks: 6)
Bass – Jaco Pastorius (tracks: 4), Jeff Andrews (tracks: 2), Mark Egan (tracks: 1 to 3, 5)
Drums – Dave Weckl (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6), Steve Jordan (tracks: 4)
Guitar, Composed, Arranged By – Mike Stern
Percussion – Dr. Gibbs (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6)
Piano, Synthesizer – Mitch Forman (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6)
Producer – Hiram Bullock
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Berg

MIKE STERN - Time in Place (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Mike Stern's music has often been a little difficult to classify, featuring strong improvisations, the sound and power of rock, and elements of funk, R&B and sometimes pop. For his second recording as a leader, Stern is joined by either Bob Berg or Michael Brecker on tenor, keyboardist Jim Beard, electric bassist Jeff Andrews, drummer Peter Erskine and percussionist Don Alias; Don Grolnick sits in on organ during "No Notice." The music (seven Stern originals) ranges from the rhythmic to the more sophisticated and features plenty of the leader's high-powered guitar. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1    Gossip    5:59
Mike Stern
2    Time In Place    6:49
Mike Stern
3    Before You Go    5:31
Mike Stern
4    No Notice    6:40
Mike Stern
5    After All    7:36
Mike Stern
6    Four Shades    5:04
Mike Stern
7    Chromazone    7:42
Mike Stern
Credits:
Drums – Peter Erskine
Electric Bass, Fretless Bass – Jeff Andrews
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Organ – Don Grolnick (tracks: 4)
Percussion – Don Alias
Producer – Steve Khan
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 1, 7)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bob Berg

MIKE STERN - Jigsaw (1989) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This is a fairly typical Mike Stern fusion date, featuring his rocking guitar on seven of his pieces. Stern is joined by his usual sidemen -- tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, keyboardist Jim Beard, electric bassist Jeff Andrews, either Peter Erskine or Dennis Chambers on drums and percussionist Manolo Badrena -- and plays with plenty of fire, yet a good amount of restraint. Michael Brecker is a guest on "Chief," jamming on his fairly anonymous-sounding EWI. A decent effort, easily recommended to fans of the more adventurous rock guitarists. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1. Another Way Around 6:25
Mike Stern
2. Loose Ends 6:11
Mike Stern
3. To Let You Know 6:30
Mike Stern
4. Jigsaw 7:06
Mike Stern
5. Chief  7:45
Mike Stern
6. Rhyme or Reason 5:46
Mike Stern
7. Kwirk 6:58
Mike Stern
Credits :
Mike Stern – Guitar
Jim Beard – Keyboard, Synthesizer
Peter Erskine – Drums (except tracks 1, 4, 5)
Dennis Chambers – Drums (tracks 1, 4, 5)
Manolo Badrena – Bongo, Shaker
Don Alias – Percussion
Jeff Andrews – Bass
Bob Berg – Saxophone
Michael Brecker – Saxophone

MIKE STERN - Odds or Evens (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a powerhouse date of high-powered fusion, mixing together the sound of rock with the musicianship and improvising of jazz. With the assistance of tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, keyboardist Jim Beard and a rhythm section, guitarist Stern jams through a set of originals that serve as jumping-off devices for fairly long solos. The musicians really stretch themselves within the idiom and even the quieter numbers are full of intensity. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1    Keys    7:28
Mike Stern
2    D.C.    7:40
Mike Stern
3    Common Ground    6:05
Mike Stern
4    Odds Or Evens    7:08
Mike Stern
5    Seven Thirty    6:26
Mike Stern
6    If You Say So    7:36
Mike Stern
7    Sandbox 3:59
Leni Stern
8    Walkie Talkie 6:57
Mike Stern
Credits:
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 2, 4, 6), Lincoln Goines (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 8)
Drums – Ben Perowsky (tracks: 1, 5, 8), Dennis Chambers (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6)
Percussion – Don Alias
Piano, Synthesizer, Producer – Jim Beard
Saxophone – Bob Berg

MIKE STERN - Is What It Is (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mike Stern is one of the more creative fusion guitarists, playing with the power of rock but often taking sophisticated improvisations. On this passionate set (which consists of nine of his originals), Stern is joined by the keyboards of Jim Beard, bassist Will Lee, Dennis Chambers or Ben Perowsky on drums and (on three songs apiece) the tenors of Michael Brecker and Bob Malach. Overall this is one of Mike Stern's better recordings. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Swunk - 7:53
Mike Stern
2. A Little Luck - 6:36
Mike Stern   
3. What I Meant To Say - 6:20  
Mike Stern   
4. Showbiz - 5:43
Mike Stern
5. Believe It  - 4:32  
Mike Stern
6. Wherever You Are - 5:32
Mike Stern
7. Ha Ha Hotel - 6:10  
Mike Stern  
8. Signs - 7:48
Mike Stern
9. 55 Dive - 5:44
Mike Stern
Credits :
Mike Stern - Guitar
Michael Brecker - Saxophone
Jim Beard - Synthesizers, Piano, Hammond Organ,
Wurlitzer Piano, Production, Additional Engineering
Will Lee - Bass
Dennis Chambers - Drums
Ben Perowsky - Drums
Harvie Swartz - Acoustic Bass
Bob Malach - Saxophone

MIKE STERN - Between the Lines (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Mike Stern does what he does very, very well. He has carved out a unique niche for himself among modern fusion guitarists, a vision that combines funk and R&B bass/drum grooves with skittish melodies often involving extended chord fragments. Stern's lead voice is one of the most distinctive in the genre as well, as his chorused and sometimes distorted tone is always prominently displayed. Stern is joined on this 1996 offering by frequent collaborator Bob Malach, a tenor player with a particular talent for laying screaming lines on top of smoking drum grooves as well as ably doubling and bringing to life Stern's often bookish and theoretical melodies. Completing the band are twin rhythm sections, consisting either of Dave Weckl and Jeff Andrews or Lincoln Goines and Dennis Chambers. Like many of Stern's recordings, the problems lie generally in the sameness of the arrangements and the relatively forgettable nature of some of these songs. Although they are all thoughtfully composed, they sometimes tend to run together a bit in the mind of the listener. Jim Beard's keyboard textures also could be done without, as they add a distracting sheen to the compositions. But there has always been this sort of tension in Stern's work between the obvious and the unexpected. Take, for example, "Lose the Suit," which features an extremely funky intro and a great Stern solo, as well as an extremely predictable bridge that almost sounds as if it could be the theme song to a long-running soap opera. Any lingering sense of treacle is dispelled once Stern kicks in the fuzz, however, and lays into the track. Not the best thing he's ever done, but quite good, and sure to please fans. by Daniel Gioffre
Tracklist:
1    Sunnyside    7:27
Mike Stern
2    The Vine    6:27
Mike Stern
3    Wing And A Prayer    6:37
Mike Stern
4    Lose The Suit    8:43
Mike Stern
5    You Never Know    7:13
Mike Stern
6    Tell Me    6:01
Mike Stern
7    With A Twist    6:37
Mike Stern
8    True Enough    6:43
Mike Stern
9    Pages    6:43
Mike Stern
10    Bait Tone Blues    7:37
Mike Stern
Credits:
Bass – Jeff Andrews, Lincoln Goines (tracks: 6, 7)
Drums – Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers (tracks: 6, 7)
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards, Producer – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malach

MIKE STERN - Give And Take (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a relatively straight-ahead set by the distinctive guitarist Mike Stern, whose airy sound seems quite fresh in this context. Stern performs three standards ("I Love You," "Giant Steps" and "Oleo"), Jimi Hendrix's "Who Knows," and six originals, mostly in a trio with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Percussionist Don Alias helps out on a few tracks; pianist Gil Goldstein is on two, and tenor great Michael Brecker nearly steals the show with three high-powered solos. Actually, the biggest surprise is "That's What You Think," a straight-ahead blues that has a very credible alto solo from guest David Sanborn. All in all, an excellent outing. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1    I Love You 6:18
Cole Porter
2    Hook Up    7:01
Mike Stern
3    Everything Changes    5:39
Mike Stern
4    One Liners    8:16
Mike Stern
5    Jones Street    7:31
Mike Stern
6    Lumpy    3:13
Mike Stern
7    Rooms    5:02
Mike Stern
8    That's What You Think    6:41
Mike Stern
9    Giant Steps 5:07
John Coltrane
10    Who Knows 3:02
Jimi Hendrix
11    Oleo 5:33
Sonny Rollins
Credits:
Acoustic Bass – John Patitucci
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn (tracks: 8)
Drums – Jack DeJohnette (tracks: 1 to 5, 8, 9)
Guitar – Mike Stern
Percussion – Don Alias (tracks: 6, 7, 10, 11)
Piano – Gil Goldstein (tracks: 6, 7)
Producer – Gil Goldstein
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 2, 4, 5)
 

MIKE STERN - Play (1999) APE (image+.cue), lossless

 Mike Stern is a preeminent guitarist for two key reasons: One, he can play all styles very well and with equal command; and two, he plays very well with all other players. He always shows great respect for those with whom he is playing and gives them each the time and space to develop their musical ideas. Stern displays these two qualities in abundance on Play. Several notable guests join Stern and his core band for this release. Guitarists John Scofield and Bill Frisell and drummer Dennis Chambers each team with Stern on several tracks. If you enjoy straight-ahead jazz, listen to Stern and Scofield on the title track, or mix in Bob Malach's tenor sax on "Outta Town." If you like your guitar music slightly more spacious and lyrical, try Stern and Frisell on the hypnotic "Blue Tone" or the pensive "All Heart." Finally, if you want to turn up the heat and move into some rock/funk-influenced fusion, then check out the groovy "Tipatina's," the bold rocker "Link," or the intensely funky "Big Kids." It is no surprise, based on his other work, that Chambers, in particular, gives the band a kick in the musical pants inspiring bassist Lincoln Goines to enjoy the ride. Play is an outstanding guitar album from the highly accomplished and incredibly versatile Mike Stern. It is highly recommended. by Brian Bartolini  
Tracklist:
1    Play    7:15
 Mike Stern
2    Small World    5:23
 Mike Stern
3    Outta Town    6:09
 Mike Stern
4    Blue Tone    6:43
 Mike Stern
5    Tipatina's    6:35
 Mike Stern
6    All Heart    6:22
 Mike Stern
7    Frizz    5:41
 Mike Stern
8    Link    6:50
 Mike Stern
9    Goin' Under    4:10
 Mike Stern
10    Big Kids    7:29
 Mike Stern
Credits:
Bass – Lincoln Goines
Drums [Pearl], Cymbal [Zildjian] – Dennis Chambers (tracks: 5, 8, 9)
Drums, Cymbal [Zildjian] – Ben Perowsky (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 7, 10)
Guitar – Bill Frisell (tracks: 4, 6, 7, 10), John Scofield (tracks: 1 to 3)
Guitar [Yamaha] – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6, 8, 9)
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malach (tracks: 3, 5, 6, 8, 9)

MIKE STERN - Voices (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Most of Mike Stern's albums have been 100 percent instrumental; as a rule, he doesn't use vocalists because his guitar does all of the "singing." But Voices is an exception -- a highly engaging and memorable exception. This surprising and totally unexpected effort finds a 48-year-old Stern using wordless vocals in a manner that brings to mind fellow fusion guitarists Pat Metheny and Al DiMeola. Think of Metheny on Letter From Home and Still Life (Talking), or DiMeola on Orange and Blue, and one will know the type of approach that Stern is going for this time. While the wordless vocals that Stern uses on Voices add a lot to the album, his guitar is still the focal point. This isn't the type of project in which the leader brings in an acclaimed jazz singer like Dianne Reeves or Kitty Margolis and features her prominently on standards -- that isn't what he was going for. Ultimately, the vocalists who Stern employs (who include Arto Tuncboyaciyan and Elizabeth Kantomanou) are there to serve and compliment his guitar. If Voices were a cake, the vocalists would be the icing; the album still would have been meaningful even without them, but there's no doubt that they add a lot to it. Voices, which contains some of Stern's most lyrical and melodic playing, is full of world music influences. African and Spanish elements are incorporated, and Brazilian music is an especially strong influence. Going back to the Metheny and DiMeola comparisons, this album's world music influences will inevitably inspire comparisons to similar albums by those fellow fusion guitarists. But Stern is always his own man and his guitar playing never fails to sound distinctive -- Voices is most definitely a Mike Stern session. It's also one of the finest albums in his catalog. by Alex Henderson
1    One World 6:23
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Percussion – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Vocals – Elizabeth Kontomanou
Vocals, Bass, Kalimba – Richard Bona
2    The River 6:26
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Percussion – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Vocals, Bass – Richard Bona
3    Slow Change 7:13
Bass – Lincoln Goines
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Percussion – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Saxophone – Bob Franceschini
4    Wishing Well 6:10
Acoustic Bass – Chris Minh Doky
Acoustic Guitar [12-string ] – Jon Herington
Guitar – Mike Stern
Vocals – Elizabeth Kontomanou, Philip Hamilton
5    Still There 7:30
Bass – Lincoln Goines
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Guitar [Nylon String] – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Saxophone – Bob Franceschini
6    Spirit 6:35
Bass – Lincoln Goines
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Percussion – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Rhythm Guitar – Jon Herington
Saxophone – Bob Franceschini
Vocals – Elizabeth Kontomanou, Philip Hamilton
7    What Might Have Been 5:32
Acoustic Bass – Chris Minh Doky
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Vocals – Elizabeth Kontomanou
8    Leni´s Smile 5:31
Bass – Richard Bona
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Percussion – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Vocals – Elizabeth Kontomanou, Philip Hamilton
9    Way Out East 7:04
Bass – Richard Bona
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – Mike Stern
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Vocals, Percussion – Arto Tuncboyaciyan

MIKE STERN - These Times (2004) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Combine the innovative guitar energy of legendary fusion master Mike Stern with old friends (bassist Richard Bona, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta) and new (saxman Kenny Garrett), and anything is bound to happen. But fans expecting raucous swinging and jamming the whole time may be surprised at the subtle lyricism and exotic explorations that define these times for their hero. Yes, his electric is crackling on the hypnotic opener, "Chatter," but it's in the crazy, exotic context of a Middle Eastern vibe inspired by Pakistani great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (look out, Eddie Vedder!). Jim Beard's jumpy piano, Colaiuta's wild, New Orleans groove, and Garrett's swirling lines provide great support. Once Stern and company have the listener's attention, they can become seductive with more intimate affairs like the Joe Zawinul-influenced "Silver Lining," which features an exotic falsetto vocal by Bona, a former Zawinul Syndicate member who also propels the tune with his increasingly muscular basslines. Bona adds the same touch in a gentler way to the lush romance of "I Know You," featuring a soft-spoken harmony line by guest star banjo great Béla Fleck. This sequence of tunes sets the tone of the rest of the disc, which mixes more Khan-flavored gems (the colorful singalong "Mirage," featuring vocals by Elisabeth Kontomanou), soft ballads, and a sexy midtempo funk number that (gasp!) might translate to the smooth jazz format. Another highlight is the punchy bebop number "Remember," dedicated to Stern's longtime collaborator the late Bob Berg. Perhaps the only drawback is having Garrett on hand but only featuring him on three numbers. by Jonathan Widran
Tracklist:
1    Chatter    6:10
Mike Stern
2    Silver Lining    6:34
Mike Stern
3    I Know You    5:06
Mike Stern
4    Mirage    6:44
Mike Stern
5    If Only    5:31
Mike Stern
6    Street Rhyme    6:36
Mike Stern
7    Avenue B    6:13
Mike Stern
8    Remember (For Bob Berg)    6:02
Mike Stern
9    These Times    8:12
Mike Stern
10    What You Believe    6:45
Mike Stern
11    Last One Down    5:30
Mike Stern
Credits:
Lyrics By – Richard Bona (tracks: 5)
Musician – Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Bob Franceschini, Bob Malach, Béla Fleck, Dennis Chambers, Don Alias, Elisabeth Kontomanou, Jim Beard, Jon Herington, Kenny Garrett, Richard Bona, Victor Wooten, Vinnie Colaiuta, Will Lee
Producer – Jim Beard 

MIKE STERN - Who Let the Cats Out? (2006) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

More than two decades into his solo career, Mike Stern, on his 13th album as a leader, continues to prove why he's earned so many "Best Jazz Guitarist" honors through the years. Stern's skills are undeniable, and new ideas never fail to materialize when he's at work. But what makes Stern stand out from the pack of virtuosic guitar technicians is that he always insists on letting his, and his support team's, abilities serve the music, not vice versa. On Who Let the Cats Out?, Stern and his well-chosen crew spill out lick upon impressive lick, but they never get so carried away with themselves that they lose sight of the tune's purpose and structure. Grandiosity is never a factor here, although there are dozens of occasions to applaud these musicians' chops. Richard Bona, the Cameroonian bassist, has worked with Stern before, but here he is given an expanded role, appearing on four tracks and contributing his falsetto-style, scat-like vocals to three of them: On "All You Need," one of the prettiest tracks on the record, Bona provides an uplifting sensuality. He also shines on "We're with You," a ballad featuring Stern on acoustic guitar. Devoid of pyrotechnics, this song of support to those hurting utilizes synth-derived orchestration and a mournful, quiet tone to bring home its emotionalism. Drummer Dave Weckl -- who alternates throughout with the excellent Kim Thompson -- is another major pacesetter here: On "Texas," the often-overdriven Weckl restrains himself, his no-frills drums and Me'Shell NdegéOcello's creative bass chasing Stern's skronky slide while Gregoire Maret's harmonica provides the necessary borderland flavor. The title track, a quasi-swing/bop showpiece, finds Stern -- peeling out some of his most blazing, how'd-he-do-that? riffs -- and trumpet great Roy Hargrove trying to outdo each other and calling it a draw. Stern's soloing throughout the record is, in fact, ceaselessly imaginative: Whether within a total funk exercise like "Roll with It," which borrows Victor Wooten from the Flecktones for bass duties and spotlights sexy sax from Bob Malach, or the moody ballad "KT," on which Stern's guitar escalates in intensity alongside Jim Beard's soulful organ, Stern finds his place within the song's architecture, then rises several levels above what's required of him to present something unexpected and rewardingly original. Only on "Blue Runway," the eight-and-a-half-minute closer, with Anthony Jackson taking over the bass, do the players allow themselves to approach tediousness. Overextending themselves as they shift into hyperdrive, they turn the piece into a jam for its own sake. An anomaly, it doesn't by any means detract from the album's overall quality, though it does allow it to end on a disappointingly self-absorbed note. by Jeff Tamarkin
Tracklist:
1    Tumble Home    8:14
2    KT    7:57
3    Good Questions    4:17
4    Language    7:03
5    We're With You    5:48
6    Leni Goes Shopping    4:38
7    Roll With It    5:02
8    Texas    7:04
9    Who Let The Cats Out?    7:44
10    All You Need    6:57
11    Blue Runaway    8:37
Credits:
Bass – Anthony Jackson, Chris Minh Doky, Meshell Ndegeocello, Victor Wooten
Drums – Dave Weckl, Kim Thompson
Guitar – Mike Stern
Harmonica – Gregoire Maret
Keyboards, Producer – Jim Beard
Saxophone – Bob Franceschini, Bob Malach
Trumpet – Roy Hargrove
Vocals, Bass – Richard Bona 

MIKE STERN - All Over The Place (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1    AJ    8:53
Mike Stern
2    Cameroon    5:46
Mike Stern
3    Out Of The Blue    6:15
Mike Stern
4    As Far As We Know    6:33
Mike Stern
5    Blues For Al    7:06
Mike Stern
6    OCD    8:07
Mike Stern
7    You Never Told Me    6:18
Mike Stern
8    Half Way Home    6:29
Mike Stern
9    Light    6:14
Mike Stern
10    Flipside    7:22
Mike Stern
11    All Over The Place    6:20
Mike Stern
Credits:
Victor Bailey, Tom Kennedy, Will Lee, Victor Wooten - Bass
Jim Beard - Engineer, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3, Mixing, Piano, Producer, Synthesizer
Richard Bona - Bass, Engineer, Vocals
Randy Brecker - Trumpet
Keith Carlock, Lionel Cordew, Al Foster - Drums
Bob Franceschini, Kenny Garrett, Bob Malach, Chris Potter - Saxophone
Dave Holland - Bass (Acoustic)
Anthony Jackson - Contrabass Guitar
Tim Keiper - Percussion
Esperanza Spalding - Bass (Acoustic), Vocals
Leni Stern - Wah Wah Guitar
Mike Stern - Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Nylon String), Slide Guitar
Kim Thompson, Dave Weckl - Drums