There's a cool story from when MS played with Miles Davis. The story goes that the band were at a party the night before gig and someone's sitting at a piano and playing ten random notes simultaneously and Stern is quickly and accurately identifying every note as he has perfect pitch. The next day before the gig, Davis is handing out the music to each band member, but doesn't give any to Stern. When he asks why not, Davis just looked at him and said, "You don't need any, M**herf**ker." Probably the closest thing to a compliment likely to come from Davis.
I saw Mike with Miles. Not long after he joined the band. At one point he played a chord that was just not quite right. The grimace on his face when he looked at Miles said he knew it. Miles blew one note, resolved that chord, and then Mike looked changed to shocked at first, then he smiled from ear to ear.
Wait a second. Davis does this ONLY because he has perfect pitch? Seriously? While in music school, i knew quite a few who had perfect pitch, and some even developed perfect pitch with practice (isn't that hard if you want it). Anyway, having perfect pitch certainly did not make them better players. There had to have been other reasons why Davis did that.
I've been a devotee of Mike Stern since the 80s. I saw him in concert in Annapolis about 10 years ago. At the apex of the performance, he did a solo that brought everyone to their feet cheering because it was so deeply melodic, original, skillfully executed and connected to the song, that it hit our ears like a sonic orgasm. I met him after the show in that small venue and he couldn't have been nicer and more humble.
I got "Is what it is" (1994) and got hooked right away, it's a nice record with among others Will Lee on bass, Dennis Chambers on the drums and Michael Brecker on the tenor sax. Stern does have a whole lot of "horn lines" type of phrasing, so Brecker and him connected pretty well. "Swunk" is a track that really stayed with me as one of those "I would love to be able to play this one!". Still haven't, but I have learned so much failing miserably at it. Dive in by all means. He's a very interesting player and a fine composer. And really good he cleaned up. The lad lived dangerously for a while. Go check him live, he's still touring and still kills it.
I just saw him and his band live yesterday and was absolutely blown away, he’s so good, but also Dennis chamber on the drums was a magician too. Such an amazing concert that was
Mike Stern is such a beast! So glad I had the chance to take a lesson from him during the pandemic. He his such a nice person and good teacher - and a monster player!
Thank you Levi! I really love his playing and he’s incredibly inspiring … glad to hear you dig his bebop rock chops too! My friend got me into him when his first two solo albums came out and I was blown away. We got to see him live around that time and the show was amazing. Great to see this clip too. Thank you!
He's also one of the warmest, genuinely interested, loving dudes you'll ever meet. The way he is in interviews is exactly what anyone gets with Mike. He's a great human being.
I had a masterclass workshop at university 27 years ago. He was so sweet, humble and helpful to us students. Later at night he played a concert in Amsterdam and this concert was one of my favorite concerts I've ever been to.
I met Mike in Pasadena in 1996. He did a seminar at the Los Angeles music Academy. He told me one thing, and I will always remember; “if you can’t figure out a solo, start out by playing arpeggios over the cords.”
One of the best shows I’ve ever seen was Michael Brecker w/ Stern on guitar, Jeff Andrews on bass, Joey DiFrancesco on B3, and Adam Nussbaum on drums…probably 30 yrs ago and my jaw is still dropped!!
I really enjoyed listening to mr. Stone. My first time hearing him. But what I really like is your enthusiasm about music and what mr. Stone was playing and where it can lead a person. Enthusiasm and a desire to keep going when things get tough is for me a key to success and great guitar playing
I remember an Al Jarreau concert in Düsseldorf/Germany in the early 80s in his more „soapy“ sounding era and the audiance didnˋt get any surprises… and as the break-filling band performed David Sanborn with (for me) the Mostar unknown Marcus Miller and Mike Stern… Mikes solos blew our mind away - ist was outstanding. They demonstrated, what Al‘s music had lost at that time: inspiration, power and improvisation… pure joy!
- A few of my musician friends played with him. For example- Attila Látó on drums, Frankie Látó (Didier Lockwood's pupil) on violin.... He has some respect around here. (Hungary)
Mike Stern has long been my favorite guitar player. I love his bop playing... jazzy, boppy, bluesy all rolled into one. I saw him live in the auditorium at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida, back in 1990 or 1991 when I was studying jazz guitar at Miami-Dade Community College. He blew my mind, and everyone else's who was in there. I got to help with his gear on stage. After the show I picked up a pick that had been gnawed and ground down to half its original size. I wish I still has that pick. Back in the good old days!
Thank you for this! I haven’t listened to him in a while and now I know I must listen to him again soon! The beginning of this clip reminded me a little of Pat Metheny, but Mike Stern definitely has his own style. Beautiful compositional playing in the clip!
Mike is an amazing songwriter as well, really just a unique sound and style, instantly distinguishable. I absolutely love his 'Who Let The Cats Out' album. Corny album name but that album is so rich in melody.
Lovely early clip of Mike. His peak in songwriting and album production was ‘91s Odds or Evens. The slow build and climax of each solo is an art form achieved by very few guitarists in any genre. ❤
Great Post! I saw Mike Stern twice with Miles in Seattle, and Vancouver back to back. The shows were way different! He kept his head down, didn't move much, but his sound... incredible. Every once in a while, in Seattle, Miles would walk over and say something to him...I'm not sure what, but I imagine it was something like 'Play like Hendrix', because he would then go full throttle, wide open. Like Miles, he can play any style. I read that Mike studied under Pat Metheny for a while at Berklee College of Music. Pat was a non-Professorial 20 years old at the time. Anyway, I have not heard Mike play with his own band configuration, Live. I MUST do so. He is one of a handful of guitarists that own their own sound. Beautiful. As an aside am I noticing more Teles used in 'Jazz' ? It seems that way. Mike was playing a Strat with Miles, but that was...wow...almost 40 years ago. Thanks again for an immensely enjoyable post. Now I've gotta hear more.
Thanks for introducing me to Mike Stern, Levi. My immediate thought on hearing the beginning of this was - Pat (Metheny)'s Solo on Joni Mitchell's Shadows and Light live concert. Have you transcribed that one? It's gorgeous!
I was lucky enough to see Mike with Dennis Chambers and Randy Brecker a few years ago and it was great! I met him after a show and he’s a really cool and funny guy. I hope you transcribe some of his stuff off Time and Place.
I had a dream years ago - Mike sat there playing the beautiful opening melody to Before You Go - I said 'I could never play like that' to which he responded 'Yes you can'
One of my favorite players, and a big influence on me as well. One of the best compliments I received as a guitar player was someone saying I sounded like Mike Stern. I didn't agree (still don't) but accepted the compliment graciously. This is a great transcription.
I used to go see Mike EVERY WEDNESDAY AND MONDAY AT 55 BAR IN LATE 80's AND EARLY 90's!!!!!!! with people like Harvie Schwartz....Jeff Andrews.... Adam Nussbaum...John Riley....Lincoln Giones and yes the occasional Jaco along with many others!!!
Wonderful! Lucky enough to have seen him with Miles several times. As I read through the comments, Terje Rypdal came to mind. I'm sure your followers would love to be turned on to such a unique virtuoso! ✌️...and thanks for the hard work and dedication!
Rypdal is one of the true under-rated, unrecognized giants. His early ECM records were way ahead of his time. One of the earliest pioneers of fusion before it was called fusion.
Hey Levi, glad you are such a fan of Mike's. We live up the street from each other here in GV, NYC. I have also been a fan since Miles Davis had him on board. then we met at The 55 Bar here in the village years ago, so after that, have run into each other at times. Mike is a guitar player with a style all his own. There is no other like him. He has a touch and feel that only he arrives at. I remember talking to him about his Yamaha Tele. He said, it plays with an action like no other guitar, especially with his speed skills, he needs it "smooth". He let me feel it for myself... I was amazed at the smoothness of the frets and how easy my hand glided up and down the fretboard. I have a 56 Fender Tele and it doesn't feel anything like that Yamaha. Hmmm. Don't get that, as I do all my own set ups. Then again, I can't play 64 note bars for minutes on end... LOL. Thanks for posting this brief video.
Mike broke his shoulder and now has to glue the pick to his thumb. I heard him say that in an interview.Totally amazing! If you want to hear in my opinion, his most bad ass solo, check out Fast Track from the We Want Miles album. Never heard anything quite like it.
Mike stern is also a great composer , all his ballads are wondeful pieces .Amazing musician and one the best electric jazz-rock guitarists in my point of view
One of the most recognizeable guitar sound, feel and also his tech aspects . I love his playing in the standards album. his version to straight no chaser might woke up Thelonios Monk in his grave and made him smile :)
I wanted to play like Mike Stern but couldn't wrap my brain around how he did it. I read about who he studied with and the name Charlie Banacos (RIP) kept coming up. I found out Charlie offered correspondence lessons where he would send you a cassette tape of him talking and then you recorded yourself playing what he taught and sent it back. I was nowhere near good enough to take advantage of all the amazing knowledge he had to offer, but still am trying to process what he taught me. Anyway, Mike Stern is amazing and the accolades are well-deserved. You are killing it with the content, Levi- Zakk, Mike, and Roy B. are some of my favorites. I bought your most recent book too- great stuff!
Levi, good gosh!!! You love Stern's playing and writing too! I can't tell how old you are.... but you are much younger than I am. I am 65. A GIT grad fellow band member turned me onto him in '83 on the first Vital Information album. I thought he was great. I then went onto purchase his solo disks whenever I could. He is a NY guy, and I live in Burbank California (which couldn't be further away from him). About 13 years ago, I got to see him at the Catalina jazz club in Hollywood. I had seen him a total of 5 times. Sometimes with Weckl, sometimes with Dennis. Several times with Ton Kennedy. Randy Brecker or Bob Franceschini. Looking very carefully at his photo on 'Upside Downside', I just had this strong notion that he was a really cool guy. Call it a vibe or an aura (we used to say that in the '70s a lot). So every time I saw him, I made it a point to approach, introduce and shake hands. Then the third time seeing him I finally got the guts or inner strength to walk up and say "Mike, I love your playing and you are such a big deal to me. Can I get a hug? So he gave me a hug!!!. We spoke for about two minutes. The next time I saw him there I asked him for another hug. He did it!. I then looked over and said "gosh, that is your wife Leni. I have her albums too" He then said "let's go over and you can meet her". That was so nice. I have seen many players repeatedly close up, but would never ask for a hug. No way!
An early guitar teacher pointed me in Mike's direction (she was a classmate of his at Berklee), although, ironically, with the piece she taught me, 'Scuffle', we focused on emulating the sax part, and translating those 'all one breath' lines into fluid 'most notes picked but doesn't sound like it' lines on the guitar. Funny how that one bit by Bob Berg (written by Mike, though?) had more influence on my playing than many other things played by guitarists! Followed Mike's career ever since though; he's a phenomenal player! 💜
Ah, ha. I've loved Mike Stern since about 1985, especially when he plays with Michael Brecker. Thanks for all the hard work! You know what would be awesome, from the same time period, Larry Carlton playing "So What" on the album "Last Night" [from Miles "Kind of Blue", but faster... and better]. Of course anything by John McLaughlin, John Scofield, Alan Holdsworth, (Beck I believe you've already got), Al DiMeola, Adrian Belew, Zappa, et al, is always welcomed :-) They are all from roughly the same time and genre.
Beautiful, thank you, Levi, for this whole daily lick series. Mike has always been one of my favourite players. He actually sparked my interest in jazz music more than any other. Here's another suggestion: maybe you could check out Oz Noy sometime. I have a feeling you might like his playing too, as you seem to have more or less the same taste in music as me. Cheers!
Mike Stern bought an old telecaster from Danny Gatton years ago. He took it up to Boston when he was at Berklee college of music later on it was stolen from him at gunpoint.
I've been a Mike Stern fan since 1st seeing him in the early '80's. My last show was with him and Eric Johnson, together...it became very obvious, EJ didn't have the chops, (jazz technique/vocabulary) to match him.
Saw the Mike Stern Band on the TRIP Tour at Ramapo College in Mahwah NJ for the Les Paul Scholarship performance. Got tickets way in advance 2ed row from the stage , no horn player just Mike Richie Morales and Teymor Phell on 6 string bass , who is a bass phenomenon some of the things they did were like Jams in A minor, that i don't think were on any album, unfortunately no cell phones permitted, i figured there would be lots of you tube video of Teymor Phell and Stern but he left the group shortly after?? They were loud as F--K , and i have never see such interaction between guitar bass and drums, lot of dynamics they speak the language .
That's amazing, love Mike Stern's playing. Talking about classically influenced intros in free time on a tele, have you tried transcribing Julia Lage's intro to I'll Be Seeing You (live in L.A.)?
Download my 10 most popular transcriptions for FREE - bit.ly/Top10Tabs
There's a cool story from when MS played with Miles Davis. The story goes that the band were at a party the night before gig and someone's sitting at a piano and playing ten random notes simultaneously and Stern is quickly and accurately identifying every note as he has perfect pitch. The next day before the gig, Davis is handing out the music to each band member, but doesn't give any to Stern. When he asks why not, Davis just looked at him and said, "You don't need any, M**herf**ker." Probably the closest thing to a compliment likely to come from Davis.
Cliffs of Dover: Answered
My grandpa taught Jimi Hendrix how to play a G chord perfectly. We have it on reel to reel....
@@JM-zq9em k
I saw Mike with Miles.
Not long after he joined the band.
At one point he played a chord that was just not quite right.
The grimace on his face when he looked at Miles said he knew it.
Miles blew one note, resolved that chord, and then Mike looked changed to shocked at first, then he smiled from ear to ear.
Wait a second. Davis does this ONLY because he has perfect pitch? Seriously? While in music school, i knew quite a few who had perfect pitch, and some even developed perfect pitch with practice (isn't that hard if you want it). Anyway, having perfect pitch certainly did not make them better players. There had to have been other reasons why Davis did that.
I've been a devotee of Mike Stern since the 80s. I saw him in concert in Annapolis about 10 years ago. At the apex of the performance, he did a solo that brought everyone to their feet cheering because it was so deeply melodic, original, skillfully executed and connected to the song, that it hit our ears like a sonic orgasm. I met him after the show in that small venue and he couldn't have been nicer and more humble.
Embarrassed to say I've never heard of him. Very happy though that I have such an amazing performer/player to deep dive and explore. Thank Levi!!
I got "Is what it is" (1994) and got hooked right away, it's a nice record with among others Will Lee on bass, Dennis Chambers on the drums and Michael Brecker on the tenor sax. Stern does have a whole lot of "horn lines" type of phrasing, so Brecker and him connected pretty well. "Swunk" is a track that really stayed with me as one of those "I would love to be able to play this one!". Still haven't, but I have learned so much failing miserably at it.
Dive in by all means. He's a very interesting player and a fine composer. And really good he cleaned up. The lad lived dangerously for a while. Go check him live, he's still touring and still kills it.
I just saw him and his band live yesterday and was absolutely blown away, he’s so good, but also Dennis chamber on the drums was a magician too. Such an amazing concert that was
Mike Stern is such a beast! So glad I had the chance to take a lesson from him during the pandemic. He his such a nice person and good teacher - and a monster player!
How did you get in touch with him ?
I saw him many times playing at 55 Grand…he lived upstairs…Jaco and Scofield would be hanging around and would jam.
Thank you Levi! I really love his playing and he’s incredibly inspiring … glad to hear you dig his bebop rock chops too! My friend got me into him when his first two solo albums came out and I was blown away. We got to see him live around that time and the show was amazing. Great to see this clip too. Thank you!
He's also one of the warmest, genuinely interested, loving dudes you'll ever meet. The way he is in interviews is exactly what anyone gets with Mike. He's a great human being.
Beautiful tasteful playing
I remember learning the A section for Mood Swings. It took me WEEKS... Stern is such a monster player.
took me YEARS
I had a masterclass workshop at university 27 years ago. He was so sweet, humble and helpful to us students. Later at night he played a concert in Amsterdam and this concert was one of my favorite concerts I've ever been to.
Absolutely beautiful playing. Thanks much for sharing and for transcribing.
I met Mike in Pasadena in 1996. He did a seminar at the Los Angeles music Academy. He told me one thing, and I will always remember; “if you can’t figure out a solo, start out by playing arpeggios over the cords.”
I mean what else would you do
Great advice!!
@@boejudden9011 If I can’t figure out a Solo, I sniff glue and smash my head against the wall whilst chanting ‘Soylent green is people’!
What a beautiful piece! You rock Levi!
One of the best shows I’ve ever seen was Michael Brecker w/ Stern on guitar, Jeff Andrews on bass, Joey DiFrancesco on B3, and Adam Nussbaum on drums…probably 30 yrs ago and my jaw is still dropped!!
No doubt.
I had never heard of such a skilled guitarist before! ❤🙏
I really enjoyed listening to mr. Stone. My first time hearing him. But what I really like is your enthusiasm about music and what mr. Stone was playing and where it can lead a person. Enthusiasm and a desire to keep going when things get tough is for me a key to success and great guitar playing
I remember an Al Jarreau concert in Düsseldorf/Germany in the early 80s in his more „soapy“ sounding era and the audiance didnˋt get any surprises… and as the break-filling band performed David Sanborn with (for me) the Mostar unknown Marcus Miller and Mike Stern… Mikes solos blew our mind away - ist was outstanding. They demonstrated, what Al‘s music had lost at that time: inspiration, power and improvisation… pure joy!
- A few of my musician friends played with him. For example- Attila Látó on drums, Frankie Látó (Didier Lockwood's pupil) on violin.... He has some respect around here. (Hungary)
- "some". I was a bit ironic, I've meant some tremendous one. :)))
Unbelievable talent.
Mike Stern has long been my favorite guitar player. I love his bop playing... jazzy, boppy, bluesy all rolled into one. I saw him live in the auditorium at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida, back in 1990 or 1991 when I was studying jazz guitar at Miami-Dade Community College. He blew my mind, and everyone else's who was in there. I got to help with his gear on stage. After the show I picked up a pick that had been gnawed and ground down to half its original size. I wish I still has that pick. Back in the good old days!
Thank you for this! I haven’t listened to him in a while and now I know I must listen to him again soon! The beginning of this clip reminded me a little of Pat Metheny, but Mike Stern definitely has his own style. Beautiful compositional playing in the clip!
That thin, ethereal sound of Metheny was evident, absolutely
They both use chorus sound effect.
Thank you Levi for a great post. I couldn´t agree moore, Mike is an incredible guitar player and composer.
Saw him a dozen times at 55 Bar with several vaious accompanyments. Never disappointed.
Mike stern sparks my interest for jazz and fusion music in general, and After You is such a heavenly piece, words just can't describe it haha
Thank you for introducing such a talent. I will look for more music by Mike Stern.
Loved it!
He is great. Have only heard him live once - in Copenhagen back in 1985 with Miles Davis. It was mind-blowing!
Just beautiful lines. Mike is an amazing songwriter as well. The "Upside Downside" album was a life changer for me.
THE Brett Garsed?
The one and only
@@dancingkids5158 I've subscribed and check Levi's content every morning. Great stuff!
@@brettgarsed Amazing work Brett. Levi should do "Got the Horn" next. If he hadn't done so already.
Mike is an amazing songwriter as well, really just a unique sound and style, instantly distinguishable. I absolutely love his 'Who Let The Cats Out' album. Corny album name but that album is so rich in melody.
Lovely early clip of Mike. His peak in songwriting and album production was ‘91s Odds or Evens. The slow build and climax of each solo is an art form achieved by very few guitarists in any genre. ❤
Levi, I am really enjoying the ‘Daily transcription’ addition to your channel.
Please keep ‘em coming.
Cheers
Glad to see a Mike Stern video. Love his simple sound but technical ability
Discovered him a few years back. Very talented to say the least. Unusual....
The tab makes it even better. Thanks for that.
Saw Mike on Boston with Drummer Dennis Chambers. Great Show!
Great Post! I saw Mike Stern twice with Miles in Seattle, and Vancouver back to back. The shows were way different! He kept his head down, didn't move much, but his sound... incredible. Every once in a while, in Seattle, Miles would walk over and say something to him...I'm not sure what, but I imagine it was something like 'Play like Hendrix', because he would then go full throttle, wide open. Like Miles, he can play any style. I read that Mike studied under Pat Metheny for a while at Berklee College of Music. Pat was a non-Professorial 20 years old at the time.
Anyway, I have not heard Mike play with his own band configuration, Live. I MUST do so. He is one of a handful of guitarists that own their own sound. Beautiful.
As an aside am I
noticing more Teles used in 'Jazz' ? It seems that way. Mike was playing a Strat with Miles, but that was...wow...almost 40 years ago. Thanks again for an immensely enjoyable post. Now I've gotta hear more.
Amazing!!
very tastey, thanks for the video!
Thanks for introducing me to Mike Stern, Levi. My immediate thought on hearing the beginning of this was - Pat (Metheny)'s Solo on Joni Mitchell's Shadows and Light live concert. Have you transcribed that one? It's gorgeous!
I was lucky enough to see Mike with Dennis Chambers and Randy Brecker a few years ago and it was great! I met him after a show and he’s a really cool and funny guy. I hope you transcribe some of his stuff off Time and Place.
I had a dream years ago - Mike sat there playing the beautiful opening melody to Before You Go - I said 'I could never play like that' to which he responded 'Yes you can'
His solo on Fat Time is one of the greatest!
amazing!❤
Beautiful
Brother Mike has always hee one my favorite players.
Listen to him with sax player Bob Berg.
Crazy powerful and amazingly Beautiful.
One of my favorite players, and a big influence on me as well. One of the best compliments I received as a guitar player was someone saying I sounded like Mike Stern. I didn't agree (still don't) but accepted the compliment graciously. This is a great transcription.
I used to go see Mike EVERY WEDNESDAY AND MONDAY AT 55 BAR IN LATE 80's AND EARLY 90's!!!!!!! with people like Harvie Schwartz....Jeff Andrews.... Adam Nussbaum...John Riley....Lincoln Giones and yes the occasional Jaco along with many others!!!
I've been listening to Mike Stern on that Pacifica guitar since the 80s. He's outstanding.
that's not a Pacifica, that's his Fender ;)
@@LeviClay I grew up in Yonkers. Seen Mike over a dozen times. He always seemed to be playing his Pacifica. No matter what he plays he's great.
@@jason698 did you watch the video?
@@LeviClay sure did. I watch a lot of your videos. I really enjoy them.
I saw Mike the first time in 86' I believe with Sanborn but don't quote me on that it's been a long time he he.
Easily one of the most recognisable guitar sounds. Always wonderfully melodic
I've seen Mike 4x with my young son who plays bass and is now very good.
Wonderful! Lucky enough to have seen him with Miles several times.
As I read through the comments, Terje Rypdal came to mind. I'm sure your followers would love to be turned on to such a unique virtuoso!
✌️...and thanks for the hard work and dedication!
Rypdal is one of the true under-rated, unrecognized giants. His early ECM records were way ahead of his time. One of the earliest pioneers of fusion before it was called fusion.
I love it. He knows how to use a Tele neck pickup, albeit a humbucker, not the standard Tele neck pickup.
Wonderful. My favourite GP, too.
I’ve seen Mike Stern quite a few times over the years. He’s killing it here
I remember seeing Mike on TV with Miles back whenever that was. I was totally floored. Became an immediate fan.
This is gorgeous! Bebop Eric Johnson. If I learned this at this tempo it would change me as a player forever. I've never played bebop lines like that.
Great pick!
Never heard of him but won't forget him.
Hey Levi, glad you are such a fan of Mike's. We live up the street from each other here in GV, NYC. I have also been a fan since Miles Davis had him on board. then we met at The 55 Bar here in the village years ago, so after that, have run into each other at times. Mike is a guitar player with a style all his own. There is no other like him. He has a touch and feel that only he arrives at. I remember talking to him about his Yamaha Tele. He said, it plays with an action like no other guitar, especially with his speed skills, he needs it "smooth". He let me feel it for myself... I was amazed at the smoothness of the frets and how easy my hand glided up and down the fretboard. I have a 56 Fender Tele and it doesn't feel anything like that Yamaha. Hmmm. Don't get that, as I do all my own set ups. Then again, I can't play 64 note bars for minutes on end... LOL. Thanks for posting this brief video.
I found myself yawning and my mind wandering. He's not going to change anything for me!
@@philjudd3473 aw, bless!
@@philjudd3473 covid now? Any other subjects you wish to discuss whilst you're at it?
Agreed. The guy may be an awesome talent but it didn't happen in this clip
Ive seen mike many times. He is a cool guy.
I lived in the same building as he in NYC for a year and ran into him downstairs on occasion. Cool dude.
What impresses me the most is that he actually drew a crowd.
Saw him live in NYC with Dennis Chambers. Amazing show.
Mike broke his shoulder and now has to glue the pick to his thumb. I heard him say that in an interview.Totally amazing! If you want to hear in my opinion, his most bad ass solo, check out Fast Track from the We Want Miles album. Never heard anything quite like it.
How old was Mike Stern in that video? I met him in 2014 really humble guy and incridible musician.
Mike stern is also a great composer , all his ballads are wondeful pieces .Amazing musician and one the best electric jazz-rock guitarists in my point of view
One of the most recognizeable guitar sound, feel and also his tech aspects . I love his playing in the standards album. his version to straight no chaser might woke up Thelonios Monk in his grave and made him smile :)
... and one of the coolest people you ever wanna meet 😉
I wanted to play like Mike Stern but couldn't wrap my brain around how he did it. I read about who he studied with and the name Charlie Banacos (RIP) kept coming up. I found out Charlie offered correspondence lessons where he would send you a cassette tape of him talking and then you recorded yourself playing what he taught and sent it back. I was nowhere near good enough to take advantage of all the amazing knowledge he had to offer, but still am trying to process what he taught me. Anyway, Mike Stern is amazing and the accolades are well-deserved. You are killing it with the content, Levi- Zakk, Mike, and Roy B. are some of my favorites. I bought your most recent book too- great stuff!
MS, what a great Cat. thanks.
Mike Stern, Allan Holdsworth, Pat Martino. These are my stellar three.
Levi, good gosh!!! You love Stern's playing and writing too! I can't tell how old you are.... but you are much younger than I am. I am 65. A GIT grad fellow band member turned me onto him in '83 on the first Vital Information album. I thought he was great. I then went onto purchase his solo disks whenever I could. He is a NY guy, and I live in Burbank California (which couldn't be further away from him). About 13 years ago, I got to see him at the Catalina jazz club in Hollywood. I had seen him a total of 5 times. Sometimes with Weckl, sometimes with Dennis. Several times with Ton Kennedy. Randy Brecker or Bob Franceschini. Looking very carefully at his photo on 'Upside Downside', I just had this strong notion that he was a really cool guy. Call it a vibe or an aura (we used to say that in the '70s a lot). So every time I saw him, I made it a point to approach, introduce and shake hands. Then the third time seeing him I finally got the guts or inner strength to walk up and say "Mike, I love your playing and you are such a big deal to me. Can I get a hug? So he gave me a hug!!!. We spoke for about two minutes. The next time I saw him there I asked him for another hug. He did it!. I then looked over and said "gosh, that is your wife Leni. I have her albums too" He then said "let's go over and you can meet her". That was so nice. I have seen many players repeatedly close up, but would never ask for a hug. No way!
Leni, such an unsung player!!
Mike is the best!
An early guitar teacher pointed me in Mike's direction (she was a classmate of his at Berklee), although, ironically, with the piece she taught me, 'Scuffle', we focused on emulating the sax part, and translating those 'all one breath' lines into fluid 'most notes picked but doesn't sound like it' lines on the guitar.
Funny how that one bit by Bob Berg (written by Mike, though?) had more influence on my playing than many other things played by guitarists!
Followed Mike's career ever since though; he's a phenomenal player! 💜
I've seen Mike a few times..... he's really great.
Nice!
Magical
Thanks, sir
Ah, ha. I've loved Mike Stern since about 1985, especially when he plays with Michael Brecker. Thanks for all the hard work! You know what would be awesome, from the same time period, Larry Carlton playing "So What" on the album "Last Night" [from Miles "Kind of Blue", but faster... and better]. Of course anything by John McLaughlin, John Scofield, Alan Holdsworth, (Beck I believe you've already got), Al DiMeola, Adrian Belew, Zappa, et al, is always welcomed :-) They are all from roughly the same time and genre.
Beautiful, thank you, Levi, for this whole daily lick series. Mike has always been one of my favourite players. He actually sparked my interest in jazz music more than any other. Here's another suggestion: maybe you could check out Oz Noy sometime. I have a feeling you might like his playing too, as you seem to have more or less the same taste in music as me. Cheers!
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Mike Stern bought an old telecaster from Danny Gatton years ago. He took it up to Boston when he was at Berklee college of music later on it was stolen from him at gunpoint.
How did I not know that?!
I've been digging Sterns stuff lately. His playing style is great to study to learn soloing without bending strings
And when he DOES bend strings, watch out. His infatuation with Roy Buchanan turns his axe into a weapon.
Ther are a lot of things him playing great stuff. Collaborations with Pat Martino and Jim Hall are marvelous
Omg, Thank you. Excellent as per usual. Please PLEASE do FAT TIME. Easily one of my fave solos of all time. Just amazing. Cheers.
If I recall, Fat Time was Miles' nickname for Mike. Early on with Miles, Mike was pretty chunky.
Love Mike"s first three records.
I've been a Mike Stern fan since 1st seeing him in the early '80's. My last show was with him and Eric Johnson, together...it became very obvious, EJ didn't have the chops, (jazz technique/vocabulary) to match him.
Been a while since I heard Mike Stern’s name. Such a great guitar player
Another DC guitarist 👍👍👍
Inspirational beauty.💋
Saw the Mike Stern Band on the TRIP Tour at Ramapo College in Mahwah NJ for the Les Paul Scholarship performance. Got tickets way in advance 2ed row from the stage , no horn player just Mike Richie Morales and Teymor Phell on 6 string bass , who is a bass phenomenon some of the things they did were like Jams in A minor, that i don't think were on any album, unfortunately no cell phones permitted, i figured there would be lots of you tube video of Teymor Phell and Stern but he left the group shortly after?? They were loud as F--K , and i have never see such interaction between guitar bass and drums, lot of dynamics they speak the language .
Mike Stern when is be young. Jamana telecaster ,he is play with Jaco Pastorius in Blood Sweat & Tears.
This video of Mike must be about 20 yrs old. He's still looking young
Stern is fantastic
Was lucky enough to see Stern play at the Ark in Ann Arbor Mi ... tone was very "chorused" in those days but his playing was fantastic.
that hasn't changed! lol
Enjoy this video? Check out this one on Pat Martino!
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When/where was this Stern clip recorded?
That's amazing, love Mike Stern's playing. Talking about classically influenced intros in free time on a tele, have you tried transcribing Julia Lage's intro to I'll Be Seeing You (live in L.A.)?
Master of the Telecaster....!!!
Mike is a monster. imo his technique improved when he got older. He looks very young in this vid.
What's the name of this tune? Is it an improvisation based on a recorded piece or just an off the cuff improvisation
I believe it’s just off the cuff improv
@@LeviClay ah ok, awesome. Thanks mate, appreciate the quick reply.