Stern, Mike
Heads Up, 2009, DVD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 15.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 5
Score: 
O’s Notes: Mike appears at New Morning in Paris, one of his favorite venues. This 2008 performance includes world-class musicians Dave Weckl (g), Tom Kennedy (b) and Bob Franceschimi (sax). Mike is in top form with explosive jazz-fusion guitar solos highlighting eight original compositions. Bob’s mellow work on sax smoothes the edges on the opener, “Tumble Home” and the solos from Weckl and Kennedy set the stage for a the racing pace that follows in the ensuing 60+ minutes. They slow down for some cool blues on a few tracks and get funky on “Chromazone” to balance the set. The chemistry is strong and the band’s enthusiasm is contagious. The high definition video captures all of the action including the appreciative audience reactions. The performance in our home theater is the next best thing to being there.
Publicist: Telarc Jazz
