All Over the PlaceHeads Up ***

At least he admits it. The title of US guitarist Mike Stern's latest offering seems calculated to deflect criticism of a record that is indeed less than entirely coherent. Stern is a legendary pyrotechnist who shreds guitars for breakfast, but he has never really established the sort of personal musical identity that some of his peers have. So he borrows theirs instead, delivering here what amounts to a series of impersonations of other guitarists: Abercrombie, Metheny and Scofield are all expertly evoked by Stern and a big name cast that includes Dave Holland, Richard Bona, Jim Beard, Chris Potter and Al Foster. Listening to great musicians show off is an empty experience but, as Woody Allen might say, as empty experiences go, it's one of the best. Those hoping for something more poetic however may find All Over the Place a little prosaic. mikestern.org