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The Journey of Jazz Guitarist Mike Stern
Jan 8, 2025
Mike Stern, an American jazz guitarist renowned for blending jazz and rock, shares his fascinating journey through the vibrant 70s and 80s New York jazz scene. He discusses his pivotal move to the city, fueled by an invitation from Miles Davis, alongside personal battles with addiction and the shift towards sobriety. Stern also reflects on the evolving role of the guitar in jazz, his thoughts on live performance dynamics, and the importance of sustaining arts culture. With humor and insight, he reveals unique tips on gear and performance quirks that shape his distinct sound.
59:25
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Quick takeaways
- Mike Stern's unique blending of jazz and rock paved the way for future guitarists to explore artistic freedom across genres.
- Stern's journey through substance abuse and recovery highlights the challenges musicians face while navigating the evolving New York music scene.
Deep dives
Mike Stern's Influence on Jazz and Rock Fusion
Mike Stern is recognized as a pivotal figure in merging jazz and rock music, possessing a unique ability to blend the technical vocabulary of jazz with the energetic tone of rock. Unlike many musicians who specialized exclusively in one genre, Stern successfully combined the sensibilities of both worlds, showcasing his proficiency in harmonic understanding and rhythmic drive. His contributions are credited as the beginning of a new era where guitarists could embody the creative expressions found in both jazz and rock, paving the way for future artists in the genre. The host expresses admiration for Stern's music, highlighting personal experiences of learning and performing his compositions throughout his musical journey.
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