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Mike Stern
Six-time GRAMMY®-nominated guitarist Mike Stern has been a trailblazer in jazz and fusion since the 1970s, performing with legends like Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, and The Brecker Brothers. Known for his fiery improvisation and signature blend of bebop, blues, and rock-infused jazz, Stern continues to push musical boundaries.
Echoes and Other Songs marks an exciting new chapter, featuring an all-star lineup including Christian McBride, Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez, and the late Jim Beard, who also produced the album. The music showcases Stern’s signature sound, alongside fresh compositions and dynamic interplay with a world-class band of jazz stars. The album also follows a pivotal period in Stern’s life, including the closure of New York’s legendary 55 Bar—where he held a long-standing residency—and his recovery from a serious hand injury in 2016. Through it all, Stern continues to push the boundaries of jazz guitar with his unmistakable sound and spirit.
Joining him on stage for this electrifying JazzYYC Headliner performance are Leni Stern (guitar), Dennis Chambers (drums), Noam Tanzer (bass), and Bob Franceschini (saxophone)—a powerhouse lineup guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable night of music.
One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Mike Stern has the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. Stern revered all three of those guitar immortals, along with such potent blues guitarists as Albert and B.B. King. Aspects of those seminal influences can be heard in his playing on the 18 recordings he has released as a leader or in his acclaimed sideman work for Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, David Sanborn, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Joe Henderson, and the all-star Four Generations of Miles band.
One of the top guitarists in jazz since his breakthrough days with Miles Davis’ celebrated comeback band of the early 1980s, Stern has earned the respect of colleagues and critics alike while also exerting a towering influence on a generation of aspiring players. A guitarist of formidable technique, he continues to awe and inspire six-string aficionados with his seamless blend of bebop facility, scorching rock intensity and uncommon lyricism. By combining the legato approach of jazz saxophone greats like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Joe Henderson with a few touches from the rock camp (i.e., distortion and delay pedals along with some urgent string bending, courtesy of his boyhood blues heroes B.B. King and Buddy Guy), Stern has successfully fashioned a singular voice that comfortably occupies both rock and jazz worlds.
Certified Legend Award, 2012
Guitar Player Magazine
Best Jazz Guitarist, 1997
Orville W. Gibson Award
Jazz guitarist of the year, 1993
Guitar Player Magazine
Six-Time GRAMMY Nominee
Miles Davis Award, 2007
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
“Stern is not only a magician of the fretboard but a heartfelt and mature composer of great depth.”
– Guitar Player Magazine
Tickets are available online :
Band members
Mike Stern, guitar
Leni Stern, guitar
Dennis Chambers, drums
Noam Tanzer, bass
Bob Franceschini, saxophone