Customer Reviews

Give & Take

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Continuing in the tradition of his bestselling "Standards (and Other Songs)", this is Stern at his best. The rhythm section of John Patitucci and Jack DeJohnette is both cooking & unpredictable. The songs are mostly standards, sometimes with new melodies written by Stern. The cast is augmented by appearances by Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Don Alias and Gil Goldstein (who also produced). The performances are live in the studio. Those who have heard Mike live at the 55 Bar will instantly recognize this as the "real deal" Stern. A first-rate album, both for guitar fans and jazz fans.

without a doubt one of stern' s best works. the closest he' ll get to traditional, straight ahead jazz. stern' s bread and butter - the high voltage, distortion and what many of his fans have come to expect, is all but non-existent. jazz purists should be able to enjoy this one, aswell as the folks who loved to hate stern for his high-tech excursions and the glossy, foot-tapping music he was playing in the 80's and early 90's. miles even went so far as to tell stern 'play some Hendrix (turn it up) or turn it off!'. cheers to mike for sticking to guns and his signature style!

this album for stern is down a diferrent alley of sound. after hearing this album, u' ll be scratchin yer head as to why stern has refrained from this type of material. ultra slick leads, excellent arrangements, interesting choice of playlist, it' s all here. patitucci and dejohnette are with mike every step of the way. both brecker and sanborn churn out some great raunchy sax playing. all this comes together for a outstanding outing!

"Give & Take" is the first I've heard of Mike Stern, and am I glad I picked up on it! I've been missing out on some great stuff. This is the best jazz I've heard in years. The tracks featuring Mike, John Patitucci, and Jack DeJohnette dominate the album, but there are other welcome guest appearances throughout. These musicians have some serious chemistry. Mike is a damn good guitarist, and with all the stellar support, it's every bit as good as you'd expect. I can't imagine any jazz fan regretting picking this one up. Great CD!

Yes, buy every album, including this one, which clearly demonstrates the artists continuing drive to improve his chops and compose new tunes. But, come on....I mean, go see this guy. Absolutely scalding. It's Mike Stern, for God's sake.

jc

It is a album worth having, as well as other CDs with Mike Stern as guest recorded in last years, as, for example SPAJAZZY (www.spajazzy.com)