Jazz Articles about Mike Stern

Mike Stern: Half Crazy

by Jim Worsley
December 22, 2017

SoCal Jazz is back from safari to the auspicious Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. A follow-up with guitarist Mike Stern was the primary itinerary for this trip. Trip is the name of Stern's new record, just in case you missed the play on words. Unfortunately, Stern had a trip of another kind in 2016. How it happened, the devastating injuries sustained, how it has impacted his playing and more were detailed in Mike Stern: What A Trip, from earlier ...

Jim Worsley's Best Releases of 2017

by Jim Worsley
December 21, 2017

As 2017 was another exceptional year in new music, choosing the recordings that rise above is a daunting task. It is also a lot of fun. Yes, such “drudgery" to listen to countless strong musical efforts from artists all over the world. The vast spectrum of seasoned pros, to new blood, and everything in between provided a jazz lover's earful. In random order here are my top 17 for '17. Diana Krall Turn Up The Quiet ...

Mike Stern: What A Trip

by Jim Worsley
September 20, 2017

"I never trip. I just don't. But then, it just happened." This is how Mike Stern began his story as he explained to my wife and I how it happened. If you somehow missed it, “it" refers to the tumble Stern took in July of 2016. This accidental fall resulting in both shoulders being shattered. In addition to the broken humerus bones and broken arms, he suffered serious nerve damage in his right arm and right hand.

Mike Stern: Trip

by Jeff Winbush
September 12, 2017

In the blink of an eye an accident can happen and when it does it can be a life-altering event. Think of a brain surgeon or a pro quarterback. Think of what it would mean it they suffered some sort of injury which made it impossible to grasp a scalpel or throw a football with the same accuracy as before. Then think of what it an accident like that means for Mike Stern. On July 3, 2016, the ...

Mike Stern: Trip

by James Nadal
August 1, 2017

Having established himself as an imaginative technical wizard in the forefront of the fusion movement during the 1980's, guitarist Mike Stern has left an indelible mark on the way the instrument is utilized in the jazz idiom. But there would be an unforeseen event that would test his physical and emotional will to overcome adversity. In July of 2016 Stern suffered a serious accident when he tripped over construction debris leaving his apartment in New York City. This led to ...

Mike Stern: All Over The Place

by Glenn Astarita
August 7, 2012

Guitarist Mike Stern projected a stylish, chops-heavy impression on the general jazz populous during his auspicious entry into the circuit, supporting jazz-fusion era Miles Davis. Indeed, one of the more distinctive guitarists spanning several decades, the artist enlists a who's who of current bass greats amid appearances by longtime associates, trumpeter Randy Brecker and former Davis drummer Al Foster. With a proverbial star-studded cast, Stern ventures into non-jazz circles, covering blues, West African themes, country rock, and other genres.

Mike Stern And Kenny Garrett at Iridium, New York

by AAJ Staff
February 26, 2009

Mike Stern and Kenny GarrettIridiumNew York, New YorkDecember 31, 2008

It is New Year's Eve, and the temperature shown on the buildings around Time Square as minus 12!... I had just seen Mike Stern, jazz-fusion guitarist extraordinaire, at Broadway's Iridium jazz club. To get there, I had to sacrifice a backpack, leaving it nearby as police would not allow entrants to the closed-off area, including clubs like Iridium, for the New Year's Eve celebrations to ...