One of the hottest bands in the world, four of the best jazz, rock and funk players on the planet. When it comes to the crunch there's only so many bands we'd walk over hot coals to see, but any group led by 2012 Guitar Player Magazine Certified Legend award winner Mike Stern is definitely one.
This quartet is a genuine all-star experience, tempered through the fire of world tours, the same line-up that recorded the acclaimed live DVD New Morning: the Paris Concert. This is the calibre of band you'd be lucky to see on a big festival stage. Here in the intimate surrounds of Blue Beat we predict the vibe will be phenomenal, a rare chance for a one-on-one with a quartet of awesome musicians, among the best in the business.
MIKE STERN established his career as the go to guitarist for Miles Davis (four years and three albums), Michael Brecker, Billy Cobham, Yellowjackets, Steps Ahead and Blood Sweat & Tears. As leader of his own bands for the past 25 years or more, he's garnered six Grammy nominations and consistently worked with the cream of contemporary jazz's elite players. Can you imagine a better list than this.... Randy Brecker, Dave Holland, Anthony Jackson, Terri Lynne Carrington, Al Foster, David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, Lincoln Goines, Dennis Chambers, Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, John Scofield, Kenny Garrett, Joe Henderson, Roy Hargrove, Cindy Blackman, Chris Potter, Victor Bailey... the list goes on. He's got jazz chops to spare, that goes without saying. What makes him a very special player is his sense of adventure, a willingness to absorb and transform influences as diverse as funk, rock and world music in a career-long search for a new and better groove.
http://www.mikestern.org/
DAVE WECKL has been heard with Mike Stern for more than fifteen years and on six albums. He's a member of Modern Drummer's Hall of Fame list of the top 25 drummers of all time. Under his own name he's released six albums and a slew of acclaimed instructional products. His CV is testament to his versatility and skill, and includes Grammy-winning work with Chick Corea's Elecktic and Akoustic Bands, along with work for Madonna, Dave Matthews, George Benson, Lee Ritenour, Michael Franks, John Patitucci, Arturo Sandoval, Natalie Cole, Dave Grusin, Tito Puente, Michel Camilo and New York Voices.
http://www.daveweckl.com/
BOB FRANCESCHINIhas been Mike Stern's colleague on four albums, including the latest, All Over the Place, and the Grammy nominated Voices, Who Let the Cats Out and Big Neighbourhood. On stage he's been a longtime regular Mike Stern Band member on world tours. He's also played and/or arranged for Paul Simon, Dave Weckl, Tower of Power, Victor Wooten, Lionel Ritchie, Femi Kuti, Celine Dion and more. He has a parallel career as a Latin music producer, arranger and composer, with a string of credits working with top names including Willie Colon, Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Franceschini
TOM KENNEDY has been part of a formidable rhythm section with Dave Weckl on-and-off since 1985, with Weckl appearing on Kennedy's albums and Kennedy on Weckl's. The pairing has underpinned several tours and recordings for Mike Stern as well, highlighting just what a cohesive outfit tonight's quartet is. As Stern has said, "Tom Kennedy is one of the best bass players I've ever played with in my life. I'm very proud to be included on his record and very happy he's on my next record". Tom Kennedy keeps pretty good musical company when not working with Stern - he's also played with Peter Erskine, Don Grolnick, Michael Brecker, Bill Connors, Steve Khan, Tania Maria, Al DiMeola, Bob Malach, Frank Gambale, Virgil Donati, Lee Ritenour, Simon Philips and Ernie Watts among many.
http://www.tomkennedymusic.com/
These gigs will be very, very big. Special early bird price applies, so book early to save money and avoid disappointment, because these shows will sell out.
"Mike Stern is one of the best electric guitarists of his generation" - Mike Zwerin, International Herald Tribune
"Mike Stern is an indefatigable improviser, his appetite for exploring his relatively straightforward but compellingly listenable tunes apparent from the moment he steps up... and launches himself into one of his slow building, initially spangly then increasingly urgent hard-edged solos" - Boston Phoenix
