Time In Place
Time In Place gives Mike Stern's electric guitar a strong connection to melody and composition. The sound has the force of rock, but the lines remain shaped by jazz. Saxophones, keyboards and a responsive rhythm section help the music feel complete around the lead playing. Stern has room to be powerful without making every piece depend on an instrumental display.
Gossip opens with guitar and saxophone closely linked in the theme. The rhythm has a firm funk movement, while the phrasing brings a sharper jazz character. Michael Brecker gives the arrangement another strong voice. This clearly introduces the album's balance of energy and control.
The title track provides a softer setting. Bob Berg's saxophone and the surrounding keyboards give Stern space for a more patient melody. As the guitar sound becomes stronger, the performance grows without losing its shape. Before You Go moves further towards a ballad, using acoustic colour and gentler phrasing to change the mood.
Chromazone brings a more forceful conclusion. Guitar and saxophone share a demanding theme before the soloists move beyond it. The precision matters, but the music keeps a lively swing. Stern's ability to connect rock expression with jazz vocabulary gives the playing its character.
Listeners who prefer a fully acoustic setting may need time with the electric sound. Within that approach, though, the album offers plenty of variety. Jeff Andrews' bass, Peter Erskine's drums and Jim Beard's keyboards help make the music more than a showcase for its leader. Time In Place is a convincing meeting of thoughtful writing, strong individual voices and guitar playing that remains expressive at both higher and lower intensity.
