Mike Stern | "Big Neighborhood" : Recommended Listening With Damian Erskine

Meet Reviewer Damian Erskine -
Connect with Damian in the Community

Mike Stern
“Big Neighborhood”
www.mikestern.org

Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Chris Minh Doky, Lincoln Goines, Esperanza Spalding, Cindy Blackman, Terri Lyne-Carrington, Dave Weckl, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Lionel Cordew, Bob Franceschini, Bob Malach & Medeski Martin & Wood.

Honestly, do I need to say anything more?! (and, yeah, I said Steve Vai..) I was wondering where Mike could possibly go from here. The answer is everywhere and anywhere!

Every track keeps the listener engaged and wondering what is going to come next. The common thread being Stern’s trademark tone and endlessly creative playing and compositional skills. I must say, that it is also refreshing to hear guys like Steve Vai and Eric Johnson playing along Mike on select tracks… It was wonderful to hear them interact with Mike and his music.

All in all, the playing is superb, the music is outstanding and each track offers something different and new for everyone. From Steve Vai’s soaring inventiveness to Richard Bona’s angelic voice, I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed here. Just when I was starting to think I knew where Mike was heading with his releases, he took a turn and left me with my jaw wide open.