Customer Reviews

Standards

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Stern's 'Standards and Other Songs' originally came as a disappointment to me, though I'm ashamed to admit it. The issue, I think, was that I expected the same sort of 'balsy' distorted funk-bebop of, say, 'Play'--a great album in and of itself--yet, 'Standards' is much more subdued than any other Stern outings I can think of. No distortion. Quiet. Little audible harmonic accompanyment to many of the solos.

The great thing about this album, then, is the way Stern really comes through as the killer bebopper that he is. Close listeners will hear the harmonic movement imbedded in the lines and not miss another comping instrument (there is a keyboard on a few tracks, but it is quite subdued and quiet).

Though, I confess, I think 'Between the Lines' and 'Give and Take' are my favorites of Stern's, 'Standards' offers something that these don't. Much like Metheny's Trio outings, it gives one a different perspective and a different flavor--and a wonderful one at that. It's technically impressive, grooving, and it also helps to solidify Stern as one of the best bebop guitarists out there today.

A few other points
* For those who've seen Mike at the 55 Bar in NYC or wish to, 'Standards' is much more in line with that sort of playing than his other work, save perhaps 'Give and Take'.

* Those who are not well-versed in Bird, Trane, etc--ie, rock fans getting into jazz via Stern, Chick, etc (as I was when I first got the album at 16) will probably not "get it" first time out; conversely, close listening will speed that transition

* Again, it is a very quiet album--indeed, perhaps this is my biggest complaint; not only is the playing subdued (not a problem), but recording volume is not especially high.

Mike Stern always has displayed a large be-bop influence in both his playing and compositions so this Cd was inevitable. What we end up hearing on this disc is the closest thing to seeing Mike Stern's band live until he actually releases a live disc. The playing is amazing and he adds new life to some standards. Although all of the covers were written for piano or saxophone, Mike shows that guitar is a great medium for Jazz. Among the highlights are "There is no greater Love" and "Straight No Chaser". There isn't a dissapointing moment on the entire disc. The one noticable difference between this one and the others is the sound of Mr. Stern's guitar. Unlike the other discs ,where he will incorporate a distorted tone during a part of a song, the whole Cd is played with a clean tone. However, this does not stop Mike from displaying non-jazz influences in his playing. Mike Stern doesn't play with the unbelievable speed of other guitarists (Holdsworth,Lane,Etc.) but he does have a unique style and nobody puts together phrases better than him. For anyone that would like to learn another way to approach the instrument this is a great place to start. Actually this Cd is great for any jazz/fusion lover because there are many lessons to be learned on this recording.

Mike Stern - Standards and Other Songs
Stern is a fusion guitarist, but here turns his attention to jazz standards. This CD shows them played in a way I had never before heard them played on the guitar. His playing is fleet and his lines run nimbly ... there is an irrepressible momentum that makes every bar compelling and propels the music onward. There is great subtlety of dynamic control too, and beauty in the tracks 'Circles' and 'Peace'. (His tone is lightly chorussed, an effect that usually does not appeal to me, but in Stern's handsk it fits perfectly - he has made this sound his own.) It changed forever my way of thinking about jazz guitar: here are standards, played in a non-standard way, with virutosity and without cliche. A totally fresh and essential jazz guitar album.

Mike has such a unique sound and approach. You can listen to a few notes and you know it's him. He can wail in the bluesiest (if there is such a word) fashion or play in the this unique bebop mode. Unique because he doesn't sound like other jazz guitarists playing the same tunes.

This recording is filled with fresh readings of some often performed standards. Mike's quirky original approach along with the setting here allows form some room for all parties to re-interpret. Both bassists Larry Grenadier and Jay Anderson shine with their sense of swing and their dialog with Mike. Ben Perowsky and Al Foster are absolutely impeccable on this recording.

This, for me, is Mike Stern at his best. His imagination is shown in the best light with these pieces. He took great care with these pieces and it shows. He has a particular gift with ballads, he doesn't over run them.

Is he a true jazz guitarist in the traditional sense? Who knows? It really doesn't matter because it's this one foot in one realm, one foot in another gives him enough to actually revitalize these pieces and make this recording worth getting.

Gil Goldstein is one of the truly underrated producers. He is an excellent musician and his production of this recording shows that he knows what these musicians need to thrive. There is "live" feel in the studio and improvisation flourished as a result.

Stern's tone is rich, fat, bluesy. The man can play bop and with fire.

This one is a real treat. One of his absolute best.

Mike Stern is popularly known as a jazz rock guitarist, blending in high-energy, high-speed rock and funk with jazz sensibilities. in this recording he tackles very difficult jazz standards repertoires and a few originals, ranging from Coltrane's "Moment's Notice", Chick Corea's "Windows" to Miles Davis' "Nardis".

all the songs are arranged and performed with high intensity and tasteful craft, bringing new life to challenging tunes suck as "Windows" and "There Is No Greater Life". using an unconventional solidbody nylon-string guitar, Mike Stern brought in an unconventional framework with which he approaches the standards. listen to this right-hand technique in "There Is No Greater Life", and his impeccable fluidity in playing. he also blended in his rock and funk influences in various places.

"Windows" is a deceivingly difficult to play, in addition to not being popular with jazz guitarists, and Stern tackled it wonderfully with the accompaniment of bass and drums. the last tune "Nardis" is an explosive rendition of the Miles Davis composition.

unfortunately this is about the only standards album from Stern; all other ones consistent with his jazz/rock/funk tradition.

This is a great disc if you love jazz or virtuoso guitar playing. Unlike some of Mike's other releases, this one is straight-up jazz and I might not recommend it to fans of rock guitar playing. They would probably be better off with Odds or Evens. On the other hand, if you're a rock guitarist trying to get into jazz, you NEED this disc. These tunes are played with reckless abandon, high energy, and are just plain fun to listen to. Also, if you ever get a chance to hear Mike play live, don't pass it up.

I love this album. I used to own the Atlantic cd and recently purchased the Wounded Bird Records reissue. The production of the music is fine. Every moment of music has been retained, and all of the original tracks are present (despite the information provided by Mike Stern's website, which states that track 11 - Nardis - is not included). My one complaint, and the reason for the 4 star rating, is that tenor saxophonist Bob Berg and pianist Gil Goldstein are not credited on the album!?! This is an alteration from the original liner info, which credited everyone involved. Why Wounded Bird decided to delete this information is beyond me. Just keep it in mind as their contributions are essential to the music!

Although the other tunes on this cd are fine, the one that messes with my head is Coltrane's 'Moment's Notice'. I thought it was interesting when I first heard it on 'Blue Trane' but Stern has something special to say about this song. I believe he plays fast enough. Almost faster than my ears can keep up with.

If you're a Stern fan and have heard/are familiar with his gigs at the 55 Bar (which is likely since you're here), check out Bunny Brunel's Dedication album, from about the same time period. Brunel on bass, Stern, Vinny Colaiuta on drums, and Billy Childs on piano on some tunes. Also, Chick Corea guesting on one tune. All the tunes are standards, including Fall(!), Someday My Prince Will Come, Dolphin Dance, Stella By Starlight, etc. The only "original" tune is a head over "All The Things You Are" changes in waltz time. For all intents and purposes, this IS a Stern album. And if you've ever seen Stern do his thing at the 55, you'll know *exactly* what to expect.

As for this album, it's classic. His intro/outro for Peace is worth the price alone.