Mike Stern
Upside Downside

When you first listen to "Moodswings" by Mike Stern, featured in his second solo album, you realize that making music is not like learning English, where only good will and the degree of commitment by the person will determine good or bad knowledge; the more we engage, the better our English will be, and there is not a person with full capability of understanding and willing who cannot speak excellent English; maybe some might find it a bit more difficult and take a bit longer, but in my humble opinion, every individual has the potential to succeed. Music is not the same, music is a gift, it is a talent one is born with from the time we leave the mother's womb and let out our first cry; it is a natural inclination, a state and a way of being that is already imprinted in the mind and soul of the person who will only have to, over the years, commit to cultivating this exceptional gift that is music.

Surely all men, some more, some less, possess a bit of musicality; even the less inclined have at least a minimum, but not everyone can become great musicians; in this case, the talent is truly great and not everyone possesses it. Such people loved to surround himself with Miles Davis, the undisputed master of jazz, throughout his long career. He who decided to always be at the forefront, to experiment with new trends and styles, a precursor of electric jazz, never denied himself the opportunity to have alongside him talented young promises of great musicality that he himself so preached, considering it a fundamental ingredient for jazz.

In 1981 "The man with the horn" was released, which saw for the first time in the jazzist's line-up the guitarist Mike Stern, who I would describe as a talented guitarist of great musicality who reached a very high peak of creativity, grace, and style in 1986 with the release of this splendid "Upside Downside," a small jewel of fusion music running for just over 35 minutes containing six beautiful tracks, and above all, a "Moodswings" to die for. The irresistible introductory solo by M. Stern, accompanied only by the bass of Pastorius (the bassist unfortunately appears only in this piece), leads to the introduction of drums and keyboard. The solo gradually intensifies until it reaches the main theme played in unison with the sax of Bob Berg; after which Jaco's bass lineup changes into a real swing, and guitar and sax take turns exchanging solos to return to the theme; and "Moodswings" concludes, making us reflect on what I wrote at the beginning of the review.

Truly splendid are the romantic "Little Shoes," "Goodbye Again" (where Dave Sanborn offers us as usual a splendid sax solo), and "After You." With "Shuffle," the last track of the album, Caribbean rhythms make their appearance; the theme played by Bob Berg's sax is catchy and entertaining but not trivial, the guitar solo is among my favorites of the album, but the sax over Mike Stern's distorted guitar does not joke either, delivering a building solo only to fade and return to the theme. "Upside Downside" is the most rock and "dark" piece, especially in the guitar solo, which appears almost like a lament. The track that gives the album its title is based on the two soloists "playing" to vary the theme each time it repeats. What else to add in this brief review except that this album is a small yet significant example of the talent and musicality (note, musicality does not mean technique, technique is acquired through practice, musicality you either have it or you don't) of one of those people fortunate enough to be born with one of the most beautiful gifts life can offer; knowing how to make music, knowing how to bring emotions to people who listen to us.

I feel like recommending this album not only to genre lovers who undoubtedly know it, but to those who love guitarists and are tired of the usual Satriani, Vai, Petrucci, and so on; this album might also be a good starting point for those approaching the genre for the first time thanks to its immediacy....

A big hello to all the readers and reviewers of DeBaser... I'm done.