The impressive line-up alone makes These Times by fusion guitarist Mike Stern worth listening to. Drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dennis Chambers, bassists Will Lee, Victor Wooten and Richard Bona, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, Bob Franceschini and Bob Malach, percussionists Arto Tuncboyaciyan and Don Alias and singer Elizabeth Kontomanou deliver class work. By recording most parts as a band in the
… studio, These Times has gained the power of a live performance. These Times begins with Chatter in the usual powerful funky style we've come to expect from Stern, but then takes an unexpected turn towards the sound of Joe Zawinul's ethnic jazz. This is in large part due to bassist Richard Bona, who plays a prominent role on These Times and previously played with the Zawinul Syndicate. Naturally, the necessary space has also been reserved for the sensitive repertoire, which does justice to Stern's clear guitar playing. These Times is not just any CD, but a very special listening experience of unprecedented richness. (AD)more
