Combine the innovative guitar energy of legendary fusion master
Mike Stern with old friends (bassist
Richard Bona, drummer
Vinnie Colaiuta) and new (saxman
Kenny Garrett), and anything is bound to happen. But fans expecting raucous swinging and jamming the whole time may be surprised at the subtle lyricism and exotic explorations that define these times for their hero. Yes, his electric is crackling on the hypnotic opener, "Chatter," but it's in the crazy, exotic context of a Middle Eastern vibe inspired by Pakistani great
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (look out,
Eddie Vedder!).
Jim Beard's jumpy piano,
Colaiuta's wild, New Orleans groove, and
Garrett's swirling lines provide great support. Once
Stern and company have the listener's attention, they can become seductive with more intimate affairs like the
Joe Zawinul-influenced "Silver Lining," which features an exotic falsetto vocal by
Bona, a former
Zawinul Syndicate member who also propels the tune with his increasingly muscular basslines.
Bona adds the same touch in a gentler way to the lush romance of "I Know You," featuring a soft-spoken harmony line by guest star banjo great
Béla Fleck. This sequence of tunes sets the tone of the rest of the disc, which mixes more
Khan-flavored gems (the colorful singalong "Mirage," featuring vocals by
Elisabeth Kontomanou), soft ballads, and a sexy midtempo funk number that (gasp!) might translate to the smooth jazz format. Another highlight is the punchy bebop number "Remember," dedicated to
Stern's longtime collaborator the late
Bob Berg. Perhaps the only drawback is having
Garrett on hand but only featuring him on three numbers. ~ Jonathan Widran