What makes Give and Take by Mike Stern notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its complex compositions and stellar performances, solidifying Stern's reputation within the jazz community. It features the track 'Giant Steps', which pays homage to John Coltrane's classic while incorporating Stern's unique style, further influencing contemporary jazz guitarists. By 1997, Mike Stern had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz fusion scene, following his successful album 'Is What It Is' in 1994. 'Give and Take' marked his fifth solo release, highlighting his innovative approach to blending rock and jazz elements while collaborating with renowned musicians like bassist Michael P. Mossman and drummer Dave Weckl.

Who is Give and Take for?

Give and Take works well if you're into intricate melodies for detail lovers, engaging improvisation for attentive listeners and dynamic guitar work energizes sessions.

How many songs are on Give and Take?

Give and Take has 11 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Give and Take

Mike Stern · 1997

63 min · 11 tracks · jazz

Electric guitar melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, showcasing a vibrant blend of jazz fusion and improvisational artistry.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Giant Steps — This track stands out for its intricate chord changes and Stern's masterful guitar work, reinterpreting a jazz standard with a fresh perspective.
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Hook Up — The interplay between instruments creates a dynamic dialogue that exemplifies the album’s fusion spirit, making it a defining moment in Stern's discography.
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Everything Changes — With its emotive solos and compelling melody, this track showcases Stern's ability to blend technical proficiency with heartfelt expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong performances, though it lacks a cohesive narrative across its length.

What we noticed

The album features intricate guitar melodies that frequently engage in call-and-response patterns with the rhythm section.
The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate melodies for detail lovers
engaging improvisation for attentive listeners
dynamic guitar work energizes sessions
varied track lengths encourage exploration

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: By 1997, Mike Stern had established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz fusion scene, following his successful album 'Is What It Is' in 1994. 'Give and Take' marked his fifth solo release, highlighting his innovative approach to blending rock and jazz elements while collaborating with renowned musicians like bassist Michael P. Mossman and drummer Dave Weckl.
Stylistic neighbors: Pat Metheny· John Scofield· Bill Frisell