Search - Mike Stern Band: New Morning - The Paris Concert on DVD

A Stern quartet burns it up, again.

Thickerstrings | Washington state, U.S.A. | 04/22/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Stern is a jaw-dropping musician, and he surrounds himself with blindingly talented players; in this case, Dave Weckl, Bob Franceschini and Tom Kennedy. This band swings and slams equally well; I've seen Stern groups several times and he simply wails. Great stuff. One minor quibble: the title of this DVD is almost identical to the one Stern released a couple of years with Dennis Chambers and Richard Bona (also great), so ordering it was slightly confusing. Other than that, brilliant from the first riff."

A great live Mike Stern video

David Kelley | Crestline, CA, USA | 10/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me just start with some background. I've listened to and loved Stern's playing since the late 80's. I have seen Mike live numerous times here in Los Angeles ( 8 times). Mike is one of the great jazz fusion live acts. My greatest recommendation is that you get to hear the true SOUND of JAZZ when you hear Mike live. This said, this DVD is no exception. Stellar sound, playing, improvisation, solos are all part of any Mike Stern show and this is no exception either. I will make one minor complaint though, while I have always enjoyed any group that Mike tours with, and have always enjoyed Dave Weckl, I will say that this isn't my favorite Dave Weckl performance. He seems a bit full of himself, a bit over the top, and generally too much of the same stuff on each tune. Dave is a great drummer/percussionist and technician, however he seems more the technician on this outting, and in my opinion, would have been better served with a less is more mentality. Too much long winded soloing, that at times seemed to have little to do with the arrangements kind of drug things out, and frankly, bored me. Usually when I've seen Mike live he used drummer Dennis Chambers, who I must say is always musical, amazing and seemingly quite humble. In spite of this complaint of mine, this is an extraordinary live show, the playing of Mike, Bob Franceschini, and Tom Kennedy are all the stuff of legend. Dave Weckl's playing on the songs is clean, crisp, and tasteful, just too many long, technical solos for me. If you have never seen Mike live, or never heard Mike Stern, you really need to check this out. This shows why he is a 30 year legend among guitarists and jazz/fusion afficianados. This CD has a great vibe with the Paris crowd, great songs, great sound, great photography, lots of useful close ups during solos, awesome soloing, everything that makes a Mike Stern show a must see event for any music or jazz lover."

Wonderful, exciting group.

John R. Traxler | 09/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a group! Being a drummer, I bought it mainly because of Dave Weckl. but everyone is magnificent. Dave has matured into one of the greatest drummers of all time. Visual effects, lighting and sound are all great. I never tire of playing it. Highly recommended."

Stern in Paris

Mister Consumer | Midwest Territory, USA | 08/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stern is in good form here (as always). The backing band is top shelf. If you are a fan of Stern, go ahead and get this. Weckl does not disappoint. Franceschini is always in the right place/right time. A first for this viewer is seeing Tom Kennedy with Stern, which is worth the price of admission. I enjoyed the Soundcheck Sketches feature. Thanks, Mr. Stern -- all the best to you and everyone involved!"