Diverse CD from Stern; A Mary Lou Tribute - Bob Stewart

Since his days with Billy Cobham and Miles Davis in the 1980s and a solo career that spans more than 25 years, guitarist Mike Stern has used his jazz roots as a starting point for exploring a range of alternate territories that include R & B, rock, swing, funk, world music and numerous other regions along the musical topography. The recipient of Guitar Player magazine's Certified Legend Award for 2012, Stern now offers up "All Over the Place", an 11-song set aligning the characteristically diverse and adventurous guitarist with a cadre of brilliant guests, including trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, drummer Dave Weckl, and bassists Dave Holland, Esperanza Spalding, Victor Wooten and Richard Bona.

Saxophonist Virginia Mayhew has been an active participant on the New York jazz scene since 1987, working with many well-known jazz musicians along the way and performing at many jazz festivals worldwide, including the Coe College Jazz Summit in Cedar Rapids. Her big, swinging sound on tenor, which has been likened to Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins, and the infectious, blues-inflected guitar of Dizzy Gillespie-alum Ed Cherry provide the right ingredients to showcase the work of the woman Duke Ellington called, "Soul on soul." "Mary Lou Williams-The Next 100 Years" celebrates the 100th year anniversary of pianist, composer and arranger Mary Lou Williams. Mayhew has arranged eight of Williams' stellar compositions for the project and has added two of her own pieces inspired by Williams.