Guitarist Mike Stern Plays & Shares Stories of Miles Davis, Jaco and Pat Metheny

In this interview, legendary jazz fusion guitarist Mike Stern dives deep into his groundbreaking career, sharing stories from his time with Miles Davis and his collaborations with bass virtuoso Jaco Pastorius. From his early influences to his distinctive guitar techniques, Mike reflects on the evolution of jazz fusion and his experiences playing with some of the most innovative musicians in the genre.
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[@davidfleuchaus]

Humble. Honest. Unpretentious. Approachable. Open. Encouraging. Mike. Gotta love Mike.

[@kennethlinton4432]

Too right. What a legend.

[@Gilyslas]

And then, theirs Mike Stern

[@DavidTupper-z5t]

Yes...sing your lines from your heart....Barney K. taught me that in the 70s..so so important

[@jarroraphael5346]

yep, his personality perfectly reflects his musicianship.

[@gordonwaugh2815]

He certainly is humble. He still takes guitar lessons!

[@BigEyeDummies]

While still in high school, I studied with Mike in 1984-85, and when he went on the road again with Miles in ‘85, I studied with his wife, Leni. They were just the loveliest and sweetest people who also happened to be elite musicians. A combination that completely humbles you for life. Their humility is genuine. Mike taught me a lot of stuff he learned from Charlie Banacos (he was a genius musician and teacher, google him). Mike would always have me write out everything in all 12 keys before learning it all on the guitar in all 12 keys. Everything! All 12 chromatic approach patterns, harmonic and melodic minor scales, arpeggios and arpeggio combinations stacked on top of each other (Banacos called them "double mambos' - this gives you the chord tones and extensions). Mike had me learn every variation and inversion of a major seventh, dominant seventh, minor seventh, diminished seventh and half-diminished seventh - in all 12 keys, in every position up and down the neck. We worked on ear training and sight reading. Mike also had me really focus on playing just chord tones when improvising over jazz standards (as opposed to relying on scales), both in position and on a single string up and down the neck. When Mike hit the road with Miles and I began studying with Leni, the first thing she had me do was transcribe "Mambo Bounce' by Sonny Rollins, which was my very first saxophone transcription. We then analyzed the notes he played over the changes and it taught me a lot about note choices over a jazz blues and how to use superimposition. If you’re not familiar with "Mambo Bounce", I recommend looking it up. It’s has a beautiful and concise sax solo. Leni is a great teacher like Mike. One time in the middle of a lesson with Mike around the spring of 1985, he had to use the bathroom, and the phone rang. Mike yelled out "pick it up", so I did. A super raspy voice said "get Stern". I said something like "he's busy at the moment, can I take a message", and the guy with the super raspy voice says "tell him I called" and hangs up without telling me his name. Mike comes out of the bathroom and asks who it was, and I say "some rude guy with a super raspy voice, and he didn’t leave his name." Mike said "that must have been Miles." I died.

[@pbenson56fran]

That was so funny, "I died." hahahahahahahaha

[@wildmovement777]

Awesome

[@southsideronnie]

Wow!

[@shaundomingue6509]

Dear fellow musician. That, was an incredible post. Especially, the Miles phone call. Cheers.

[@MrHabinstrood]

very cool!

[@irvas79]

Beautiful soul, Mike Stern.

[@PeterKeys-he9gl]

What a beautiful human being

[@kentbyron7608]

yes! well said. A work of art as a human. ❤

[@PeterKeys-he9gl]

@kentbyron7608 cheers 🍻

[@mradisic11]

Perfect definition for this great humble guy.

[@thesuncollective1475]

Yeah but plays like a demon possessed. 🤔

[@brucegertzjazzbass]

Mike and I go way back. Close to 50 years. We met as students in Gary Burton’s small band arranging class at Berklee where we read all the arrangements the students brought in 51:09 . Played together for 2-3 years in Boston at Michael’s pub 1369 jazz club and Ryles in Cambridge and Maine at Horse Feathers . He was in the band Con Brio,Jerry Bergonzi, Bruce Gertz and bob kaufman. Mike also had a steady Thursday night gig at Michael’s where he had guest appearances from Bob Berg, Bill Evan’s, TIGER Okoshi, Gil Goldstein, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Ken Cervenka, and a number of others. Bruce Gertz and Bob Kaufman were the rhythm section. There were so many great times and memories.

[@michaelbean5312]

You've got a good reputation yourself, Bruce.

[@dominicmauricio2474]

I was in Boston running the marathon in 96 and took the opportunity to go to a Jazz club and the Band leader was a named Tiger. He played a tune called “mom or grand mothers” something. Loved that tune. So glad you mentioned his name now I can look for more of his music..

[@bobpeeleondrums]

"Music is forever! The more you learn, the less you know". - Amen brother.

[@AnomalousAstro]

I heard that too and have been using the exact same words for years, not that I know anything. I like the way Neil deGrasse Tyson put it as well: As the area of our knowledge increases, so does the perimeter of the unknown. Great interview Rick, Mike you are a seriously Kool Kat!

[@doublehockeystix]

i didn't read any comments, i scrolled down and started reading your comment perfectly timed with him saying every word haha

[@OZRIC1985]

I have always looked at it as "the more you learn, the more you know" about music. However, there is always so much more to learn, and the learning is never-ending. The more I learn about music, the more empowered and joyful I feel. Oh, music is so magical in so many ways, right?! :)

[@AnomalousAstro]

@@OZRIC1985 It is indeed, a delightful mixture of magic as well as science.

[@kraka2oanIner]

Yup. I can testify to that (!)

[@Guitfiddlejase]

My dad had heard him on a Miles recording on a brand new shiny TDK SA90 cassette. I was 13 and immersed in Van Halen and Yngwie. ...my dad kept talking to his friends about this "incredible strat player" who he didn't know the name of. Then he got -Im sure it was Decoy and of course, Sco is on that album. My dad was really disappointed. He liked Sco. And later, we would both really dive into Sco, but Decoy did not have that Strat player. Now it's 1987 and PBS is showing Newport Jazz Fest on a lazy Saturday afternoon. My dad was excited because Tal Farlow was supposed to be featured later on in the show..so we sat and watched. Suddenly, Brecker is on. He's explaining the ins and outs to his new axe, The "EWI". I was blown away at my age by this thing..and Brecker the player? Forget it. ..but then? Its time for Brecker's guitar player to have his turn. ..and my dad flipped man. "Thats him!! Thats the guy from that Miles tape!!!" ..and i gotta' admit..Mike Stern was absolutely killing. Mike Stern made a couple of big fans that day. We bought all his records. Mike Stern. Truly a great man. A great musician

[@samm5373]

What a fantastic man Stern is! Rick, you're killing it with your shows. What a pleasure and treat to watch! You are The Man!!!

[@thereallightwarrior906]

Yes, so Rick, where is your Jon Herington interview? He and Jim Beard played together since college.

[@pbenson56fran]

Thank you because I did not hear all of his comment....

[@bayesian2007]

Mike playing at the 55 on Christopher Street was the ultimate experience. When Mike powered up his second amp and you heard his SPX-90 pitch shifter come through both amps with the delay it filled the air in the room. I get chills just writing it. Mike gave me chills every time he opened a set at the 55. He’d camp out on one note, the bass player would follow him, then the drummer would come in playing a shuffle beat on brushes. Mike is a master storyteller. He has you at the first bar as he starts phrasing over the bass and shuffle. After a few minutes the drummer would switch to sticks always at the right time following Mike’s vibe as he built toward the melody of the tune. Mike would volume up and just kill it every time. I love your playing, Mike. You have been an incredible inspiration to me for decades. I will forever cherish watching you at the 55 and I wish I could go back. You were always a gentleman and would take time to speak with me and others between and after sets. Thank you.

[@michael53ish]

Lovely to read your story

[@bayesian2007]

@ Thank you, Michael.

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

Yeah the 55 bar was a magic spot, back in those days, before the towers came down. There was another bar half a block away on the southeast corner of Grove St. & Seventh Ave. that showcased funk on weekdays and after the shows I sometimes stumbled over to 55 bar already stoked and listen to Mike before the ride back to Jersey.

[@davidofpiano423]

Saw Mike at the 55 bar in New York about 10 years ago. Was seated literally an arms length from him and I don’t exaggerate when I say it was one of the most transformative musical experiences of my life. Approached him after the show and told him how much he blew my mind, and he was the most friendly, humble, wonderful person. So much so that I even bought a couple of his CDs despite the fact that I didn’t own a CD player anymore! Thanks for the wonderful memories, Mike.

[@piccicacca]

I may have been at that gig! Was the drummer Beyonce's drummer and the bassist is from Latin America (I think?)

[@h.sinclair]

@davidofpiano423 been going to Mike gigs at 55 since 1982, photographed him for Guitar World back in the late 80s, at his home. One of my strongest life inspirations. Thank you

[@BrianTitus]

Never saw Mike there, but saw Wayne Krantz many times. I miss 55 Bar!

[@samsmith4216]

What a great Club! I wish I saw Mike play there. Always wanted to but never made the trip. Saw Richard Bona a few times there but Mike was the one I missed.. the fool I was!

[@RadcliffGuitar]

Had this exact experience 8 years ago 💯

[@PeteOliva]

I just adore how real and unpretentious Mike is. I think jazz players often have his stigma of having huge egos but Mike seems unbelievably down to earth. Thank you Rick for continuing to bring us these amazing interviews!

[@Alstigen]

Beautiful humility from one of the greatest jazz guitarists. Inspiring.

[@dipdo7675]

Yes! Saw him many times in Boston and Cambridge in my late teens early 20s!! Didn’t realize then that this dude was gonna be a legend! He played with Mr. Davis for crying out loud!!

[@karlsalocks]

I can confirm this is one of the warmest, nicest dudes in ANY industry you will ever meet. He just makes you feel better. A true gem of a human being

[@kraka2oanIner]

He seems to be the most unpretentious, down-to-earth guy; approachable, humble, and most important, LOVES music, to the nth degree.

Another legend interviewed… amazing!

[@jongraboff7999]

I went to high school with Mike. I remember sitting with him and listening the Miles Ballad of Jack Johnson and Mike sits back in his chair and said, "man, if I ever get a chance to play with Miles, that would be IT".

[@jetsun3197]

I had never heard of Mike Stern. Was thoroughly engaged in listening to him. Thank you. I could listen to him all day.

[@renorailfanning5465]

My favorite jazz/fusion guitarist. His latest album is killer. Still putting out amazing music after all these years.

[@Groovemaster2000]

Mike plays a single note ”C” and instantaneously you hear that it’s Mike Stern. He just has a sound and tone.

[@dragonpundit.6443]

It's uncanny, that touch, chorus...boom, has to be Mike.

[@backslash68]

yes it is unbelievable but true - and it can not be because of the chorus only. There is something magic going on there.

[@Groovemaster2000]

@@backslash68 he got the touch. He is one of few players that is instantly recognisable just by tuning his guitar 😉

[@ChromaticHarp]

He used to use an SPX 90 with the left/right detune setting. I’ve even seen him use plain old Boss pedales.

[@MightyJoeInternetBeef1960]

The most genuine, honest, musician, I've ever seen interviewed. His love for music as his life's blood is so obvious. Rick, another home run!

[@flexismart]

An astounding interview of Mike Stern, my long time musical hero, given by Rick Beato - the most interesting musicologist of the modern era. This whole interaction is beautiful.

[@Arlequin.Calavera]

Amazing guitar player, his humility was palpable through the screen, truly an inspiration

[@weave_of_k]

No politics, no KZbin drama… just music! Hands down my favorite channel.

[@marcostrujillo5286]

Well said!!

[@RaubSM]

Well said! I’m right there with you 👍

[@westwindpainting]

Mine too. Rick is like 100 master musicians rolled up into one.

[@SwinaAllenMusic]

This is the problem. When the arts don't take political positions something is wrong. Art has always been political because it is important for many people and it has different communities and is also economically relevant.

[@jacquibourdeau441]

Jazz is political ask Mingus

[@michaeldichael9978]

Rick, this is the best interview I’ve ever listened to. Mike was such an honest guest - a real delight and clearly an artist without equal. Your questions and knowledge of the subject matter were impeccable. I haven’t enjoyed an interview like this in a very long time.

[@annode]

Gotta say, Rick didn't need to say but a few words. Mike was wound up for talking that day. ha

[@michael53ish]

totally agree

[@brianbiviano6356]

💯

[@greenatom]

I saw Mike many years ago at a small outdoor venue. I was so knocked out I had to shake his hand after the show, when he was packing up his equipment. He was most warm and appreciative. A very memorable day for me.

[@yutinglin]

So many late nights at 55 Bar. They don't make them like Mike. What an incredible gift to be alive to see Mike.

[@reidwhitton6248]

Mike Stern is a sweetheart of a guy. I went with a couple of friends to see his trio at Oswego College. After the show he invited us back to the hotel and they played for a couple more hours. Janek Gwizdala was playing bass. That was a great night!

[@victortrying]

Such a great player. And Rick should have Janek on as well!

[@ko4kin]

Mike is SO COOL! Thank you Rick for brining him in

[@ossiwika]

His solo on Fat Time (Miles Davis - The Man With The Horn) is my fav guitar solo ever.

[@dragonpundit.6443]

I love his soloing on the first Vital Information record.

[@c.cunningham4056]

Mike tells a funny story of how Miles used to call him "Fat Time". That was back when Mike was heavier than he is today.

[@paulberger1444]

That was the first time I'd ever heard Mike Stern, and it blew my mind. Not to mention Marcus Miller sounded so great on that track as well. Saw him play live with Michael Brecker in Evanston IL back in '88, his solo on Nothing Personal was fire, but his solo on Original Rays tore the roof off the place.

[@mishagasparovsky196]

That song is named after mike stern, in honor to him, cause miles called him fat time from the moment they met...

[@abbeyparker]

During covid I was lucky to book an online lesson with Mike stern… I still cherish to this day. He is so humble and an amazing person apart from a guitar legend.

[@DirkLeibenguth]

Mike is such a great person. Played at the same jazz festival in the mid nineties in the Netherlands and he listened to our set from the side of the stage. When I went off stage he talked to me and I felt so honored. 2 Years later I went to one of his concerts in Germany and he recognized me and smiled at me and said hey, nice to see you again. Thank you for this interview. I always loved Mikes playing and music

[@westwindpainting]

@@DirkLeibenguth that is this coolest story I've read in ages. Bravo

[@mikeaimer]

Incredibly talented, personable, and a great teacher. Thank you Mike Stern!

[@Bluebottiglia]

One of my greatest heros for decades now. And another fine example of legend being so humble

[@melancholyhussar]

Such a great player! Back when I lived in the Boston area in the 1990s and early 2000s, Mike used to play regularly at the Regattabar in Harvard Square and I never missed a show. He always had amazing drummers like Denis Chambers and Dave Weckl and was so great to see them in such an intimate venue. Great interview! Thank you!

[@BrunoCOHENstudio]

Mike is not only one of the best musicians and composer alive on the planet, he is a real kind man. I got the chance to see him play several times in Paris. In 1996/98, I could meet him during the mid-show break and I asked him to sign some CDs for me. He asked me to speak to the audience and say (in French) he had brought a ton of his cds with him. Now I understand he was maybe too shy to go and speak himself. Wonderful musician, I always have one of his tunes playing in the back of my head :) THANK YOU MIKE!!!

[@francis-808]

Stern was a fantastic guest. A pleasure to watch.

[@lotusman9743]

So happy there was a mention of Hiram Bullock, what a wonderful guy and amazing guitar player.

[@Greg-rq1yx]

Agree. I've seen Hiram lots of times. One time with Charlie Drayton on drums, Rickey Peterson on keys and of course Will Lee on base. They dragged Bobby McFerrin on stage and "You Send Me". Great show!

[@fredericgervais4263]

Hiram on little wings version by Sting....just blew my mind when I heard it. Still does

[@RodrigoOliveira-vj5mb]

​@@fredericgervais4263I really don't know how many times I played air guitar along Hiram's solo.

[@carlodelysid]

I knew about Mike Stern from his playing with Miles but had never seen him. Then in spring of 2007, I found out he would be playing with Dennis Chambers, and Victor Wooten at the Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, CA, so I changed all my plans so I could see them. I was blown away! And then.... Mike was all over the festival playing with and inspiring and driving every band he got on board with for 3 days with his great big smile shining on us all. It was bliss! Thank you Mike! and Thank you Rick! This is really fun!

[@brianaxel4589]

Extraordinary! Mike Stern - pure inspiration - may we all learn such goodness!

[@kentbyron7608]

Beautifully said. Word!❤

[@jwebbw]

That's so cool that 'Fat Times' was able to session with Miles. And I can feel Miles in the room when he talks like him. This has to be one of the best interviews on Miles Davis !!

[@TheDeLeonHobbyGarage]

I saw Mike Stern a few years ago at a local Jazz Festival in Bakersfield, CA. After his amazing set, he walked off the stage and came down to the grass in field and sat down with the audience to watch the other acts. Such a regular humble guy

[@stevemorse108]

I don’t have the harmonic knowledge to understand a lot of what Mike stern does but I have always realized how brilliant he is. I played cello then guitar most of my life and have a good ear intuitively I pick up on things. I was delighted to discover what a genuinely humble and great person he is. I have met other musical greats who were insufferably arrogant and egotistical… but Mike proves that huge talent is not synonymous with having a huge ego.

[@howlinhog]

It's so good to hear that I'm not alone in my occasional bouts of depression in regard to learning. I ended up in the hospital because of a panic attack after having finally "gotten it" in regard to learning a hard part on the violin. I was so excited when I finally got it, but the next morning I ran to my instrument to do it again and I could not get through it. I was so worked up I thought I was having a heart attack.

[@kerbyfab]

Panic attacks are the absolute worse feelings in the world!! Sorry you had such a bad experience. Hopefully you don’t deal with them anymore.

[@sumo-ninja]

Man that kind of pressure around learning a part on your instrument sucks... I hope you found a way to stop pushing yourself that hard as you got older

[@williamlivingston1099]

Thank you so much Rick and Mike! I'm a guy that saw Mike and Jaco at 55 back in the 80's. A friend played We Want Miles on vinyl and I was in Shock. After that I went to Mike's 55 gigs as often as I could. Jaco drank my beer one night, and Mike brought me back in the dressing room to hear the tracks he had just recorded with Richard Bona. I was always floating around Mike. He's connected to some portal. A beautiful Portal. I love you both.

[@jeremykerner2100]

What a sweet dude. Great heartfelt stories, and what a phenomenal player. Got to see him a couple times in LA at the Catalina and he just blew me away. Rick, these long-form conversations really are a treasure. Thank you.

[@TheOhioConnection]

I'm a musical simpleton and not really able to fully appreciate what Mike does musically, but what a truly lovely human being! I'll give his tunes another listen on that alone.......

[@TysonGraf]

Awesome. I studied with Mike in NYC 15 years ago and I treasure the time I spent with him.

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

The segment on being with Miles is epic... priceless insight into the man, not only the musician. Good voice/vocal impression too by Mike... had me chuckling.

[@grennglant]

He did a great Jaco as well.

[@RobVarak]

We Want Miles was one of the first jazz albums that ever grabbed me by the throat. Stern's playing was so bracing and different. This is a great conversation with the most lovely feeling of mutual admiration.

[@robertbastian9001]

I had the immense fortune to see Mike and Jaco play at Bradley's in the Village in 1984. A college friend from Long Island invited me out over spring break. We crashed with his sister for a couple of nights in Manhattan and the first night went to see these guys. I was studying classical violin and knew Jaco from Weather Report but didn't know much about Stern other than he had been playing with Miles. We got a table right next to the stage and all I was just blown away. We got to chat between sets and Mike in particular was really friendly. Hiram Bullock showed up later and sat it for a few numbers. I've been a huge fan every since. Incredibly formative experience for a kid from the Midwest, I'll never forget it!

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

I've been a big fan of Mike Stern for almost 3 decades now and is one of the greatest guitar players on the planet. I absolutely love his playing and has made excellent music plus he's a super nice guy. Great to see this interview and hear about the career of one of the true guitar legends

[@chrishyde2432]

So good! I was at Berklee in the 80s and got to see all these guys. It was a better education listening to Sco, Mike, Pat, Jaco, Hiram, on and on. A great time for music.

[@paan36ty]

❤ from the first note he played you could tell that it was Mike Stern playing. His guitar, his master's touch, are unique.

[@backslash68]

yes it's amazing, he needs to play only one note and you instantly know it's him.

[@horstlippitsch]

Mr.Mike Stern! "The living legend"!! Great Interview Mr.Rick Beato!👍

[@bg9419]

I remember getting my "Guitar Player" magazine with Mike on the cover and the caption said "who is Mike Stern and why is he on our cover?" I started listening when he was with Michael Brecker. Saw him in Ann Arbor and was blown away! Then bought "upside downside" been a fan ever since

[@patrickcrawford5532]

I'm getting all teary-eyed...so much joy - thank you both.

[@leoincorvaia693]

Rick, I sat down & said let’s see what’s on your channel. I see Mike & didn’t budge. Watched it twice. I had a smile on my face when he said you remind him of his teacher. I saw Mike at the Bottom Line with Bob Berg, Dennis Chambers & Lincoln Goines. Incredible. Any new guitarist should watch videos of Mikes solos. He’s like a conductor when he solo’s. He starts so mellow, then he just accelerate’s. Clicks on his distortion & takes it out to the twilight zone. I’m not a guitarist but just love your channel Rick thank you again. Long live the memory of Jaco!

[@HarryMillerMusicOfficial]

To exemplify the level of dedication that Mike has to music, here's an anecdote from around 85/86 when I had the good fortune of being around Mike and his wife Leni quite a bit because I was doing cartage for them at the time. Mike had a gig in Boston/Cambridge and hired me to drive everyone and their gear from NYC to Boston and back. He had just gotten the call the day before to re-join Miles' band, as he describes in this video. The night of his gig, everyone in the band (including the awesome bassist Jeff Andrews) and I stayed at a friend of Mike's house in nearby Newton, MA, sleeping on couches and floors. The next morning, Mike got up before everyone and was transcribing not just the guitar parts on the then-current Miles' album "You're Under Arrest" BUT THE ENTIRE ALBUM in preparation for re-joining Miles' band. Guitar, bass, keyboards, trumpet, sax, drums--everything! I got to see him do stuff like this frequently and it was certainly a wake-up call for me as a musician. He also practiced incessantly. Mike truly was/is driven to excellence in music.

[@midgarden]

Never thought Mike Stern would be so humble and even shy. He is such an incredible player.

[@michaelpedicinjr]

What a treat to hear Mike in so many ways!

[@DavidHardingDOP]

What a great guy Mike is, so honest and likeable. No ego, like so many players. Not a complainer or a whiner, a guy you could jam with.

[@rodriguezatria]

I was lucky to meet Mike and chat a bit with him at 55 Bar. Mike is a beautiful human being, a blessing to humanity. Love him, he's very inspiring

[@aaronwfrisch]

I've lost count of how many times I've enjoyed seeing Mike Stern play in NYC clubs. Whatever the situation - from my POV, he was always present and immersed in the music. Always listening to his fellow musicians and making it better.

[@bigsby1]

55 Bar!

[@waynemiller6070]

9:11 More critical for guitar phrasing than many guitar players realize.

[@vladimirmihajlovic2485]

Mike's music was my first foray into jazz back when I was a teenager. I was lucky that someone recommended one of his albums to me. What a fantastic player.

[@javilalima]

Such a beautiful conversation!

[@alessandronespoli6600]

Love Mike Stern!!! ❤

[@MikeNeer]

I used to see Mike maybe 3 times a month at 55 Bar and other NYC venues back in the early/mid-80s. I bugged him constantly about having a lesson and told me "keep asking and we'll do it eventually" and one morning he called and said "can you come over now?" Well, of course I did! We played some blues and he showed me the Charlie Banacos stuff he mentioned here (I still have the manuscript he wrote for me). I just love Mike, one of the greatest guys.

[@etcherdot890]

I've seen Mike a few times and had the opportunity to interact/chat with him. A genuine and kind soul.

[@C_Melvyn_James]

I've had the pleasure of meeting him once in Toronto along with his wife Leni, about 30 years ago now... I just remember thinking to myself, "I'm hangin' within minute degrees of Kevin Bacon!"

[@Crocidolite1700]

8:36 Not having developed perfect pitch before the age of 6, I've never tried or considered being able to do or achieve it. Until now I have never heard of or considered the concept of relative pitch 🤦🏼. Always learning something new, interesting and useful from these interviews. Thank you.

[@brainrotplague]

I saw him live in a small club in New York on a field trip with my school (from Norway) in 2004. To be honest, I had no idea who he was, but my classmates were stoked. I bought the album "these times" which he was promoting at that time, and got it signed. I remember him as a nice chill guy :)

[@MysticVic1]

That was just plain sweet. Thank you.

[@RBC2_]

Mike is such a humble person. He is one of the all time greats himself.

[@edlotube]

Mike is by far the best around!! And remains leveled. Very humble and with impressive chops! 👏

[@tonytothe8544]

Mike seems like such a nice and humble person! Fantastic interview!!

[@johnnyroyblues]

This was so wonderful! I must admit, as a blues player, I was not hip to Mike Stern, But I could not stop watching this interview and researched all the tunes and albums to listen to later...so now I'm definitely a fan! Also, I'm a college guitar professor/educator and I loved the way he started out just talking about and demonstrating a simple Cm triad and Cm7 notes...then demonstrating the 1/2 step under each note. I do a lot of resolved tendency tones in blues myself so this really hit home! What a truly sweet and wonderful fret brother Mike is!

[@ajadrew]

This is the interview I've long hoped for! I had a dream years ago sitting next to Mike who was playing Before You Go.... I said 'I could never play like that' & he said 'Yes you can"

[@cf23figueroa23]

Rick, another great interview, so inspiring to listen to Mike Stern, his stories, his dedication. Beautifully done!

[@davestephens6421]

Oh Rick I LOVED that!! Met Mike here in the UK many moons ago.....such a lovely sweet guy. Just adore his playing!!! One of my all time favourite players!!

[@aaradhakananda]

Real people and real music. May God bless you all!

[@barkofdog]

Great interview of the amazing Mike Stern...whose memory and "ear" is mind blowing! What an artist!

[@gregormarini]

That man went through hell, that’s for sure! This are the best Interviews ever. The human being comes out as he really is, I could listen for hours!

[@darrenl9355]

Omg, it finally drops! I’ve been looking forward to the full length interview since I saw the short clip of this

[@JakobDijkerman]

Same!

[@JakobDijkerman]

Checking almost everyday if it already dropped!

[@telespanker]

Mike is such a positive force and a true inspiration. Much love to the Maestro 🙏❤️🎺

[@zazaz44]

great interview. Really brought out Mike's insight and integrity. Not to mention his enthusiasm.

[@shearn666]

I had never heard any of Mike's playing until now. What a humble, gentle soul, with an underlying vulnerability. I love the humanity that these suler-talented guys are willing to show. We are all human beings, doing the best we can.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Thank you Rick Beato for this great interview with Mike Stern. I happened to see him with that very group you played.I was so taken back by Miles and this group I ran down in front to witness these guys..I had see it close up and in front. Then security chased me off. I love Mike's playing blues/ rock / bebop connections..I like his stinging lead lines sharp staccato abrasive manner. I love the fact you let your guests speak off the hook and tell it like it is , Bravo for another fan boy favorite !!!!

[@fredrikwiklund9873]

I saw Mike Stern in Stockholm at Skeppsholmen Jazz festival in the mid nineties, one of the last days, after dark, and he walks on stage with a telecaster, wearing a worn jeans jacket, without a word, and the trio just goes for it. The playing and energy is just crazy.

[@tednruth453]

Having Miles name a tune after you! Wooooohooo! Let alone playing WITH Miles! Waaaaahooooo!

[@Carlito_Sway]

Rick has become the premier music interviewer of our era- the way that he strikes a balance between the technical, the philosophical, the emotional, and the historical is on a plane that no one else has reached. Perhaps it is his skill as a jazz improviser that allows him the rare ability to depart from his script to ask follow-ups, dig deeper on certain topics, and then seamlessly return to the form. These interviews will be remembered as some of the great primary source archives in music history. Oh...and Mike is great too!!!! Love his playing and his funny, warm personality!

[@ArnoldVroomans]

Heard him live a couple of times. And every time it is a adventure. My wife did not like jazz. Never listened to it…heard mister Stern live…and just understood what it is about…now listens to almost nothing else. And we stil listen a lot to him.

[@DiegoErnestoGarcia]

Beautiful and distinctive sound, humble person, a nice guy I had the luck to see him play live, here far in Argentina ❤

[@Manhattanman52]

Really special interview, Rick !!!

[@flyboyu777]

I've really developed a deep appreciation and inspiration for the music Mike has made over the decades. Humble and talented beyond belief.

[@dreambrother1240]

I used to go listen to Mike at 55 Bar all the time. He is the sweetest guy and an amazing player. Thanks Rick!

[@hectormoy2713]

Those Miles Davis stories, man, that's gold!

[@alexhoetzinger1]

I just filmed a concert with Mike, Leni and Dennis Chambers here in Berlin a couple of days ago! What a happy coincidence, now I get the background stories!

[@LinusFriman]

Oh, cool. I was there watching that first set, lol. Banger concert.

[@alexhoetzinger1]

@ wow, great! I finished the edit today, the video will be online in 2 days!

[@LinusFriman]

@@alexhoetzinger1 oh? where will I be able to watch it back?

[@alexhoetzinger1]

@@LinusFriman on „Victors Places“ here on YT! Only the first 2 songs of the set though, unfortunately …

[@oliverzierach7749]

What a nice guy Mike Stern is. He said some very true things that you never stopp learning and always do things from your Heart when you really Love what you do. No Matter If you are a musician, teacher or doing something else. And another great great Interview from Rick, showing that the guest is the important Person and how to give the guest that feel.

[@jaredwilliams1031]

Mike Stern's fusion stuff is so cool. Very unique take on the genre.

[@michaelwilson924]

I had an opportunity to mix a show for Mike and he was amazing to work with. Such a nice and humble guy. He gave me one of the best compliments of my career as well.

[@guitarmania66]

My god, I whish that this lasted 10 hours! Thank you Rick for these fantastic interviews! Mike is an all time hero and the humblest person on earth.❤

[@stringstroker22]

Mike, I hope you read this note. You’re one of the most relatable, honest musicians I’ve ever heard on Rick’s podcast. Talking about the struggles and (self-perceived) playing inadequacies, when either gigging or jamming with others. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary musical journey with us. And Rick, thank you again for having Mike on and others as well. I’d love for you to reach out to Russ Freeman. He would be a great interview as well. Ciao.