Mike Stern: Echoes and Other Songs

Echoes and Other Songs is guitarist Mike Stern's first release since the loss of pianist, friend and confidante, Jim Beard in March, 2024. Beard, perhaps best known for his association with 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, the Brecker Brothers, 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 (Stern's wife) plucking the ngoni on the fast-moving "Connections." 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 and bassist 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 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 and drummer Dennis Chambers both played with 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. 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.