Next Gen
Tiger Turn, 2025
8/10
The esteemed guitarist John Stein returns with a 19th album, where Ed Lucie and Mike Connors join him for standards and originals- the latter being inspired by his grandchildren.
“A.J.” opens the listen with Stein’s radiant guitar alongside Connors’ frisky drums, and the warm spirit of “Lover Man” follows with a cozy mood that benefits from Lucie’s skilled bass.
Further along, “Ellie” bops and shakes with an infectious energy of timeless jazz qualities, while “Lidianna” showcases meticulous guitar playing amid the elegant rhythm section for the album’s best.
“Road Song” and “Infant Eyes” exit the listen. The former offers a lush and dynamic climate where the trio interact playfully, and the latter, a Wayne Shorter original, finishes with sublime balladry and grace.
An effort that’s never short on rhythm and harmonics, Stein and his company make for swinging, bossa nova and gentle tracks via the memorable, guitar jazz.
Travels well with: Eric Bell- Vulnerability; Matt Booth- Sun Prints