Mike Stern - Voices (CD)

Voices from above

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Oct 1, 2001

His first album featuring vocalists, Mike Stern has broken the mold of his previous albums to include a variety of songs and sounds that transverse any previous project of his. Integrating rhythms from around the world, Stern has succeeded in creatin...g quite a variety of music that goes unmatched. The polyrhythmic sounds from "Far Out East" and the primal Sub-Saharan African rhythms from "The River" are but a couple of prime examples of the albums diversity. The haunting melody of "What Might Have Been" featuring the vocals of Elizabeth Kontomanou, provides excellent contrast and a beautiful compliment to the album's selection of songs. Mike Stern's typical blazing, soulful, and passionate guitar playing on Voices is accentuated by a typical all-star line up including Michael Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Jim Beard and Richard Bona. Stern's guitar solos on previous albums all seem to be leading up to his work on this album, clearly taking ideas in his solo on "Far Out East" from his work on the song "Link" from previous Stern album Play. Stern has done a fine job on his previous compositions and has truly done an excellent job of writing the songs for Voices. He uses all of his personnel efficiently and complimentary. This album is a joy to listen to and is a milestone in Mike Stern's career. Read more Less