Trip (2017)

"This album happened because of Mike Stern's relentless determination to remain Mike Stern. In July 2016, he tripped over some concealed construction debris and broke both arms. He fractured both humerus bones and was left with significant nerve damage in his right hand, preventing him from holding a guitar pick. After surgery, he gradually strengthened his grip, and allowed him to regain his speed and technical precision. The recording of "Trip" began six months after the accident. Some of the track titles -- "Screws," "Scotch Tape And Glue" -- refer to his surgical events. Stern enlisted an all-star cast playing in different configurations, achieving a diversity that even exceeds "All Over the Place". The title track, for instance, with drummer Dennis Chambers, bassist Victor Wooten, keyboardist/album producer Jim Beard, and saxophonist Bob Franceschini is a knotty exercise in rocking jazz-funk fusion with peeling guitar riffs, solos, and fills." (Thom Jurek, Allmusic; 4,5 uit 5 sterren)