Customer Reviews

Jigsaw

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This CD by Mike Stern reaffirms why he was such aqn important component of Miles Davis' bands in the 80's. This probably can't be called a "jazz" CD, because on many solos such as "Another Way Around," Stern squeals and crunches and bends his notes in a way a rock guitarist would , but also has the sense to run with the solo different from how a rock guitarist would by improvising his notes like a jazzman. His wood hardbody electric guitar that he features on the cover of the CD has such an interesting sound. Its tone is hard to describe, just listen to it for yourself. He rocks as hard as any jazz guitarist i've heard. Excellent CD of guitar work. Buy the CD, because one of the songs is cut out of the tape version. All the songs on this CD must be heard

It's hard to argue with Stern's compositional skills, arrangements, chops or the expertise of the other players in his band, so why is Jigsaw kind of tedious? Because the compositional style, Stern's guitar tone, the arrangements, and the instrumentation are virtually unchanged from Upside Downside and Time in Place. Even the solos follow the same slow build to the really fast single note lines and "impassioned" bending. Sorry for the sarcasm (I really do believe that Stern is passionate about this material), but the music on Jigsaw sounds pretty rote to this listener. Thankfully, since this cd, Stern has developed somewhat and avoided monotony. Maybe the problem for me is that Stern tends to develop new musical ideas at a glacial pace, as opposed to musical chameleon John McLaughlin or even John Scofield, who seems to makes a conscious effort to avoid repeating himself, even if only by changing the musical setting. I recommend getting Time in Place (superior songs) and Upside Downside (has Jaco on one cut and a slightly different feel). Then check out the samples on other Stern cds and look for something a little different. Or broaden your horizons and check out Tribal Tech's Scott Henderson or any number of other wonderful musicians. If you would like to read more reviews like this, check out JazzboNotes.com.