Album Review: Next Gen from John Stein

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Album: Next Gen
Artist:  John Stein
Label:  Tiger Turn
Artist Website:  Johnstein.com

A mix of jazz standards and originals, guitarist-composer John Stein's 2025 offering Next Gen features music inspired by his five grandchildren.  Making the tunes personal for him while appealing to listeners on a broad scale, Stein's 19th project displays the flexibility and the sonorous lilt of the guitar, riffing with his band mates Ed Lucie on bass and Mike Connors on drums in splendid synchronicity.

Opening with "AJ," a track Stein wrote for one of his granddaughters, the arrangement synchronizes puffy rivulets from Stein's guitar perched on the calming knolls of Lucie's bass.  The track is followed by the lounging grooves of the jazz standard "Lover Man," brandishing a soft simmering ether that jumps into the bouncy rhythm of "Kai," named after Stein's oldest grandson.

Another jazz standard, "Star Eyes," is illuminated in pixilated guitar chords, emoting an upbeat mood along the sonic mosaic.  The recording transitions into the bluesy hues of "Ellie," a swinging tune inspired by Stein's youngest granddaughter that shifts into Stein's rendition of Thelonious Monk’s “Misterioso,” anchored by a slow bluesy groove.  “Lidiana,” composed for another of Stein's granddaughters, has an easy-going bossa billow, harnessing a calm sonorous. Stein’s second grandson is tributed with the swinging “Elyas,” wielding an old school jazz stride.

Stein has enjoyed a lengthy history in the jazz culture, highlighted by his studies at Berklee College of Music, followed by teaching at Berklee for 36 years. He released his first album in 1995 and experienced a creative burst after the lockdown years, releasing Serendipity in 2021, followed by 2022’s Lifeline, and then No Goodbyes in 2023.  His 2025 endeavor Next Gen displays Stein's soulful playing and stirring synchronicity with his band mates, bassist Ed Lucie and drummer Mike Connors.  Track after track is pleasing, lifting the listener effortlessly.

Musicians:
John Stein - guitar
Ed Lucie - bass
Mike Connors - drums

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