21-03-2006, Spirit of '66, Verviers, Belgium

We (my fellow band members and I) saw Mike Stern several times (lost count) and now for the second time in Verviers, Belgium. The first time (november 2003) he brought along Lionel Cordew on drums and Alain Caron (wow!) on bass and this March he selected, chose, invited (how does he do that?) Kim Thompson on drums and Chris Minh Doky on bass. In both cases Bob -ballad- Franceschini on tenor saxophone.

Well, Kim was the big surprise! She performs on her basic kit with held-back power, constantly in contact with Mike, still searching I believe, which gives the performance extra dimension. In her solos she really cut loose but with discipline thus keeping margin which sounds great! As always Mike Stern is as devoted as he always is, which makes you as a listener proud to be there. Mike took time to announce his new album: "Who Let The Cats Out?" for September. With many great names!

Mike brings out his songs with an extra dimension each time thus stating the difference between studio and live performance. Each time we stand pleasently surprised. Avenue B (These Times), although I believe this song has already an extra dimension, was performed with extra extra dimension this evening. Wow!

As always Ha Ha Hotel as a closing song accelerated to a peak which -almost- left behind Kim keeping the audience's attention until the last stroke!