One of the greatest jazz guitar players of our time is coming to our little burg to play with a couple of hometown heroes. Mike Stern will be playing a series of shows this week at the Jazz at the Bistro with world renowned drummer Dave Weckl and his long time friend, the incredibly diverse bassist Tom Kennedy.

Weckl and Kennedy grew up in this area together and have been pushing each other to the limits of imagination and skill for more than a few years now. Weckl is noted for his solo albums and his work with the Chick Corea Elektric Band as well as for a multitude of instructional materials. If you haven’t seen Weckl in a while, his playing has evolved to a place where his control is only equaled by his groove.

Tom Kennedy has been on numerous recordings and tours with the likes of Al Di Meola, Michael Brecker,  Dave Grusin, and drummers Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine and Vinnie Coliuta to name just a few. He plays the upright beautifully and is a monster on the electric. Kennedy also has two solo projects Basses Loaded and Bassics that are definitely worth checking out.

Mike Stern got his first real big break with Miles Davis. He made more of a name for himself touring with David Sanborn and joining the Brecker Brothers and Steps Ahead, but it is the sound that Mike Stern forged with his signature chorus Telecaster sound that led to his solo albums Upside Downside and Time in Place. These two albums put him to the forefront of the guitar and jazz scene where he gained much recognition and world acclaim. His playing can range from the very subtle and sublime to mind blowing bop to over the top outrageous rockin’ out! (To those of you not familiar with his playing yet, for lack of a better comparison, he sounds like a bit like Pat Metheny meets Hendrix). I'll put it this way – you have to come out and see for yourself, I guarantee you will be blown away by the musicianship and expression you will witness.

      If you don’t already have Stern’s new disc, Who Let the Cats Out? (Heads Up 2006) definitely get it. Collaborating with some of the best cats to be found, this is a throwback to the feeling I got from hearing Stern for the first time!

      Jazz at the Bistro is a great place to see this rare event. It is an intimate and warm room. As a bonus they also have great food.  You know, now that I think about it, I might as well go to both shows all four nights! No better place to be this week. Do not miss this!  | Derek Lauer