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Mike Stern: Echoes and Other Songs

By Neil Duggan
September 19, 2024
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Echoes and Other Songs is guitarist

Mike Stern

guitar
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Mike Stern's first release since the loss of pianist, friend and confidante,

Jim Beard

piano
1960 - 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Beard in March, 2024. Beard, perhaps best known for his association with

" data-original-title="" title="">Steely Dan, appears here as pianist, keyboardist and producer. Stern is still on the long road to recovery following a fall in 2016 that broke both his arms and left him with nerve damage. He has adapted his technique and now uses a homegrown solution to hold his pick instead of playing with his fingers.

Stern's creativity has made him a leading exponent of jazz and fusion guitar since the 1970s, performing with

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis, the

Brecker Brothers

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Brecker Brothers,

Blood, Sweat & Tears

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Blood, Sweat & Tears and many more. The ultimate electric guitar hero for many, he is joined by an outstanding group of A-list collaborators to interpret eleven of his compositions.

The album opens with

Leni Stern

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Leni Stern (Stern's wife) plucking the ngoni on the fast-moving "Connections."

Chris Potter

saxophone, tenor
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Potter's tenor sax joins before Stern blows away any doubts about physical issues affecting his guitar fluency, offering fast and dynamic lines. A Potter solo then matches this, as drummer

Antonio Sanchez

drums
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Antonio Sanchez and bassist

Christian McBride

bass
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Christian McBride ensure that the pace does not let up. Stern and McBride combine to build the foundation in "Echoes." This builds through Potter's melodic sax solo into one of Stern's well-constructed guitar journeys as Sanchez, McBride and percussionist

Arto Tuncboyacian

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Arto Tuncboyacian build a powerful rhythmic sway.

The swirling rocking rhythms of the Latin-flavoured "Where's Leo?" find Sanchez and McBride in top form, as Potter and Stern combine to reach boiling point. "Could Be" has some great guitar trio work. Beard joins, McBride's acoustic bass solo sparkles and Potter's solo leads into inspired interplay with Stern. The pace changes completely on the gentle but catchy "Gospel Song." Stern's solo slowly unfurls in this Americana ballad. Beard's contribution is subtly judged as ever, and Potter joins briefly at the close.

There is a distinct change in personnel on three tracks. Bassist

Richard Bona

bass, electric
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Richard Bona and drummer

Dennis Chambers

drums
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Dennis Chambers both played with

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny on his Speaking Of Now album (Warner Bros, 2002). Beard also toured with Metheny. So, it is perhaps no surprise that "I Hope So" has a similar feeling to the widescreen cinematic feel that Metheny often generated. Bona contributes some marvellous African-inspired wordless vocals and Stern's gentle solo is perfectly judged, as is Bob Franceschini's soprano sax work. Bona's wordless vocals also grace the funky swing of "Curtis," a tribute to

Curtis Mayfield

guitar and vocals
1942 - 1999

" data-original-title="" title="">Curtis Mayfield. Stern adds to the vocal mix. The same group is featured on the driving fusion of "Space Bar." Stern's guitar is at its bluesy gritty best and Franceschini's tenor is let off the leash.

These sessions buzz with electricity. The performances are commanding and the palpable sense of enjoyment should please jazz fans and guitar aficionados alike. Despite the adversity, this ranks amongst Stern's best work. It is an impressive album, full of passion, rugged energy and musical expertise. It serves as a farewell to a friend and a dedication to the memory of Jim Beard.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Connections; Echoes; Stuff Happens; Space Bar; I Hope So; Where's Leo?; Gospel Song; Crumbles; Curtis; Climate; Could Be.

Personnel

Mike Stern

guitar

Chris Potter

saxophone, tenor

Christian McBride

bass

Antonio Sanchez

drums

Richard Bona

bass, electric

Dennis Chambers

drums

Bob Franceschini

saxophone, tenor

Jim Beard

piano

Arto Tuncboyacian

percussion

Additional Instrumentation

Mike Stern: backing vocal); Jim Beard: keyboards; Leni Stern: ngoni; Richard Bona: vocals; Bob Franceschini: soprano saxophone .

Album information

Title: Echoes and Other Songs | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Mack Avenue Records

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