All Over the Place (Mike Stern album)
All Over the Place is a studio album by American jazz guitarist Mike Stern, released in 2012 on Heads Up Records. The album features a diverse range of musical styles, true to its title, blending elements of jazz, rock, blues, and fusion. Stern collaborated with a number of prominent musicians on the project, contributing to the varied textures and sounds. These musicians include drummers Dave Weckl and Keith Carlock, bassists Esperanza Spalding and Richard Bona, and vocalists Randy Brecker and Leni Stern (Mike's wife).
The album is characterized by Stern's signature virtuosic guitar playing, incorporating complex chord voicings, blistering solos, and a keen melodic sense. The compositions themselves range from upbeat and energetic fusion pieces to more introspective and blues-tinged tracks. The use of different vocalists and instrumentalists across the tracks adds to the overall feeling of eclecticism.
Reception to All Over the Place was generally positive, with critics praising Stern's guitar work and the quality of the musicianship. Some reviewers noted the album's stylistic diversity as both a strength and a potential weakness, with some listeners preferring a more focused sound. Despite this, the album is widely considered a significant entry in Stern's discography, showcasing his versatility and continued creativity as a jazz guitarist.