Dave Sanborn

The Peterson Brothers - keyboard player Ricky, bass player Billy, drummer / guitar player Paul and their nephew, saxophonist Jason - are true brothers in arms, Minneapolis institutions, members and survivors of that city's musical revolution. They lay the music out like an uptown groove buffet.

Released in 1976 as the follow up to the self-titled Arista debut album by super musicians (trumpeter) Randy and (saxophonist) Michael Brecker, Back To Back was issued under the moniker The Brecker Brothers Band as a result of the inclusion of other key players - Will Lee (bass, lead vocals); Chris Parker (drums); Don Grolnick (keyboards); David Sanborn (alto sax); and Steve Khan (guitars). Back To Back not only featured the super talents of the Breckers and the extended band but an all-star cast that included drummer Steve Gadd, percussionists Ralph MacDonald and Sammy Figueroa, vocalist Patti Austin and at the time, session and jingle singer Luther Vandross (who co-wrote two songs on the album).

Mike Stern's debut as a leader mostly features the high-powered guitarist heading a sextet also including tenor saxophonist Bob Berg, keyboardist Mitch Forman, bassist Mark Egan, drummer Dave Weckl and percussionist Dr. Gibbs. Altoist David Sanborn makes a guest appearance on "Goodbye Again," while "Mood Swings" features the quartet of Stern, Berg, electric bassist Jaco Pastorius (with whom Stern had worked in the Word of Mouth Orchestra) and drummer Steve Jordan. The guitarist wrote or co-wrote all six selections, which generally have viable chord changes. The playing mostly fits into the genre of funky fusion, with Stern's passionate guitar heard throughout in fine form.

Produced for release by John Matarazzo, head of Hudson Street Entertainment group, this 109-minute long DVD includes highlights from the 1990 and 1991 issues of the now defunct Live Under The Sky jazz festival. Filmed in Tokyo, starts with an all-star quartet - Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Dave Holland (on electric bass!) and Jack DeJohnette - performing "Jack In".