Who Let the Cats Out

Mike Stern | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 15, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Heads Up
• ASIN: B000GI3SWS
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #36,285 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Guitar World, November 2006

Â"SternÂ’s tone is clean and well-mannered, and his speed and articulation are impeccable.Â"

Product Description

Mike Stern, one of the most recognized and celebrated guitarists of his generation, released his Heads Up International worldwide debut album, Who Let the Cats Out?, on August 15, 2006. On SternÂ’s thirteenth release as a leader, the award winning three-time GRAMMY nominee continues to blur the boundaries between jazz, funk, blues and rock with eleven unique originals.

Who Let the Cats Out? was recorded in January 2006 and features a stunning lineup including bassists Richard Bona (who handles vocals on two tracks), Anthony Jackson, Meshell Ndegeocello, Chris Minh Doky and Victor Wooten, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, saxophonists Bob Franceschini and Bob Malach, drummers Dave Weckl and Kim Thompson, harmonica player Gregoire Maret, and keyboardist/producer Jim Beard.

It isnÂ’t surprising that Stern spent time playing with Miles Davis. Like the legendary trumpeterÂ’s best work, one never knows what to expect from a new Stern release. Who Let the Cats Out? offers a range of memorable melodies with plenty of dynamic playing by the guitar hero and crew. The album ranges from bluesy, powerful funk (Â"Tumble Home,Â" Â"Roll with ItÂ") and lots of dynamic interplay (Â"KT,Â" Â"TexasÂ") to tightly-packed new jazz (Â"Good Question,Â" Â"Leni Goes ShoppingÂ") and gentle, heartfelt ballads (Â"WeÂ’re with You,Â" Â"All You NeedÂ").

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Back in Business, August 24, 2006

By 

grimjon (Fairfax, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Let the Cats Out (Audio CD)

After a two CD flirtation with Methenyesque vocal-driven jazz, Mike Stern goes back to basics with this release, and what a welcome return. Featuring such luminaries as Victor Wooten, Dave Weckl, Richard Bona, and Roy Hargrove as sidemen, "Who Let the Cats Out" is probably Stern's strongest outing since "Play." It's a shame Mike Brecker could not play on this CD, but "We're With You," the tender ballad co-dedicated to Mr. Brecker is the next best thing.

The compositions are nicely varied and cover the stylistic map, and it's interesting to hear him add some new harmonic coloring, working with trumpet and harmonica on this recording. But the real reason anyone listens to Mike Stern is to hear him burning through changes, and his chops are as impressive as ever. He even kicks in the distoration on occasion, as if finally realizing that nasty edge to his sound was part of what made him great. Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Returning to what he does best, September 18, 2006

By 

Thickerstrings (Washington state, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Let the Cats Out (Audio CD)

Mike Stern is a near-perfect guitarist: a jazz vocabulary with the heart of a funk-metalhead. I've been a fan for more than 20 years, seen him perform with Miles, Michael Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Alain Caron; can't wait to see him in Seattle in December. One of my all-time favorites.
I didn't care for the last two CDs, which were I felt leaned too heavily on the vocals. Richard Bona is a brilliant musician, but I prefer his work on bass. Stern's a monster player who surrounds himself with fantastic, innovative musicians. This is a great CD from start to finish; highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars terrific cd, October 3, 2006

By 

The Only Reviewer That Matters - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Let the Cats Out (Audio CD)

Mike Stern is a killer guitarist and this CD shows off his skills wonderfully. Great melodies, burning solos, and inspired instrumentation make this a must buy. Great job, Mike!!