Mike Stern,Jeff Lorber Fusion/AZ,USA 2019

A hot topic! After the release of “Eleven,” the first collaboration between guitar hero Mike Stern and keyboard magician Jeff Lorber, two giants representing the East and West of the American jazz/fusion world, they energetically toured the country. The second installment of the latest powerful live show, which was just performed from the latest tour in the home country that concludes this year, is finally here! ! They toured all over Europe until November and received great acclaim, and they have just returned from this year’s final tour in their home country of the United States, capping off a very fulfilling year. In Phoenix, Arizona on December 13, 2019, with the best lineup, Dave Weckl, who has been playing with him quite often in recent years, joined on drums, and Mike’s wife Leni Stern also joined, replacing Denichen in the European performance. A powerful version of the live performance at the Musical Instrument Museum, fully recorded in the highest quality stereo sound with the label’s own careful mastering, has arrived! ! To avoid any misunderstanding, Mike plays in a double-headed band with reliable partners who can share the responsibilities, such as Dave Weckl, Randy Brecker, and Bob Berg in the past, rather than playing as a leader himself. is definitely better. This is because, of course, he is attentive to the overall sound, but he has a cheerful and enthusiastic personality, and above all else, he is a guitar kid and loves the guitar. I want to play more and more without thinking about anything…For Mike, having another leader allows him to play more freely. This is big for Mike. Especially since Jeff is a keyboard player this time, he can concentrate on playing without worrying about detailed backing! Listening to this performance, Mike’s play is the best in recent times, and the chorus is a signature model based on a Telecaster that you can tell is Stern at first listen, with an effect sound slightly shifted from the original sound. The unique tone created by applying multi-effectors to achieve an effect similar to that of the rock generation, and the hard, hard-hitting play that is typical of the rock generation, are more ferocious than usual! However, what impressed me more than the microphone was Jeff’s play. I’m embarrassed to admit that I was a bit biased towards Jeff Lorber Fusion at the time, so I regret not listening to it properly, but it’s a Neil Larsen-like organ, an electric piano that sounds like a combination of Chick and Don Grusin, and gorgeous synths. , both solo and backing are perfect, leading the sound with a great performance of eight sides and six arms. I was also worried about the relationship between New York and Los Angeles, which is like oil and water, but my fears were completely unfounded. The compatibility between the two is excellent, and the best parts of both regions are exquisitely intertwined, allowing you to enjoy the best sound in this genre. Isn’t this the real thrill of fusion? The numbers from the masterpiece “Eleven” are also played with 100 times more excitement than the studio version! ! The ever-changing and brilliant rhythm team of Groove Master Weckle and Haslip, the creator of this project, is also amazing! Mike’s beautiful wife Leni’s guitar and vocals also added to this cheerful performance! Live at Musical Instrument Museum,Phoenix,AZ December 13.2019 (Late Show) EX – AUD 2019 Original Remaster 77 min 1. Like a Thief 2. Motor City 3. Jones Street 4. Nu Som 5. Runner 6. Bass Solo – Wing and a Player 7. Slow Changes 8. Red House Mike Stern – Guitar,Vocals Jeff Lorber – Keyboards Jimmy Haslip – Bass Dave Weckl – Drums Leni Stern – Ngoni,Guitar,Vocals