Is What It Is

Is What It Is
Studio album by Mike Stern
Released	March 8, 1994 [1]
Studio	Skyline (New York City) Carriage House (Stamford, Connecticut)
Genre	Jazz fusion
Length	56:34
Label	Atlantic
Producer	Jim Beard
Mike Stern chronology
Dedication (1992) Is What It Is (1994) Vertical Reality (1994)

Is What It Is is a studio album by Mike Stern, released in 1994 through Atlantic Records. ^[2]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[2]

Scott Yanow at AllMusic called the album a "passionate set" and "one of Mike Stern's better recordings." ^[2]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Mike Stern.

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Swunk"	7:56
2.	"A Little Luck"	6:37
3.	"What I Meant to Say"	6:22
4.	"Showbiz"	5:45
5.	"Believe It"	4:36
6.	"Wherever You Are"	5:35
7.	"Ha Ha Hotel"	6:10
8.	"Signs"	7:49
9.	"Dive"	5:44
Total length:		56:34

Personnel

• Mike Stern – guitars
• Jim Beard – acoustic piano (1, 3, 5, 6, 8), synthesizers (1-4, 6, 8), Hammond organ (5, 7), Wurlitzer electric piano (9)
• Will Lee – bass (1-5, 7-9)
• Harvie S – acoustic bass (6)
• Dennis Chambers – drums (1-5)
• Ben Perowsky – drums (6-9)
• Michael Brecker – saxophone (1, 2, 5)
• Bob Malach – saxophone (7-9)

Production

• Jim Beard – producer, additional engineer
• Phil Magnotti – recording, mixing
• Tom Bender – assistant engineer
• Rich Lamb – assistant engineer
• Ted Sheets – assistant engineer
• Ron Bach – digital editing
• Greg Calbi – mastering at Sterling Sound Studios (New York City, New York)
• David Burrell – production coordinator, management
• Robin Tomchin – production coordinator, management
• Jean Cronin – art direction, design
• Danny Clinch – photography
• Tropix International – management company

References

1. "Upcoming Releases". CMJ New Music Report. March 7, 1994. p. 60.
2. "Mike Stern - Is What It Is Album Reviews, Songs & More". AllMusic . RhythmOne. Retrieved June 25, 2023.

External links

• Mike Stern "Is What It Is" at Guitar Nine