High-octane jazz in the port.

(From Jerusalem Post)

Byline: Barry Davis

Guitarist Mike Stern was definitely not taking any prisoners during his gig at the recent Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat. Over the past twenty years Stern has gained a reputation for being one of the hottest guitarists in the jazz community. He first came to notice as a member of the Miles Davis band in the early eighties where he won plaudits for his keen sense of timing.

That ability was evident from the start as Stern and his quartet launched into "One World" taken from his latest album Voices. Although bassist-vocalist Richard Bona - the distinctive voice on the CD - was not on the Eilat stage, Stern and saxophonist Bob Francheschini produced a more than adequate wattage and energy level which got the message across succinctly and powerfully.

Stern was obviously enjoying himself as he shared duets with bassman Lincoln Goines and drummer Lionel ...