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

[@irvas79]

Beautiful soul, Mike Stern.

[@PeterKeys-he9gl]

What a beautiful human being

[@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. Tank you for this interview. I always loved Mikes playing and music

[@TheDeLeonSlotCarRaceway]

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

Another legend interviewed… amazing!

[@Alstigen]

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

[@bobpeeleondrums]

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

[@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

[@richshields6692]

So cool. I used to see Mike play at 55 bar in NYC. This was the late 80s. Great guy.

[@OysteinWika]

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

[@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.

[@jetsun3197]

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

[@Bluebottiglia]

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

[@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!

[@TREACLsales]

Such endearing charm and humility from a renowned musician. Great interview. Hope you do jam with him.

[@kevinlevesque7422]

I've always loved Mike's vibe. i need it today.

[@jamesthecat]

With you Kevin 🫂

[@itsjustme8947]

Millions do, kev. Many, many millions. Just wondering how many won't be here this time next year...

[@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.

[@andrewroberts9440]

What a genuine guy. Great interview technique Rick. Really enjoyed this 👍

[@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!"

[@Fuckyoutube-gz6gu]

The Master did it again! I haven’t watched the video until the end, in fact I am at 7:35 😉 - but what a pleasure to watch Mike Stern talking to Rick! Promised, I will watch until the last second! Thank you Rick, thank you Mike! ❤🎉

[@markfisher1215]

Ok given “everything “ else today to hear Mike really feel comfortable talking about his music and art in front of an interviewer who listens is just so welcomed and how can you not feel like there is a better place after listening to this-thank you both.

[@TysonGraf]

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

[@paan36ty]

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

[@Funkybassplayer]

Hey Rick. WOW. what an interview. Mike is an amazing person. So honest about his drug use and getting sober. It was very informative and sensitive. Really a great guy. It’s certainly one of your best interviews. I truly enjoyed it. Greetings sir.

[@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

[@barkofdog]

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

[@brianaxel4589]

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

[@jason_from_canada]

Enjoyed this interview so much. Mike is such a cool cat and I just love his playing and feel. Had the chance to meet and talk to him at concerts over the years, he's such a lovely guy. 👍

[@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.

[@zazaz44]

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

[@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.

[@lotusman9743]

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

[@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!

[@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"

[@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.

[@PalidicoVermingagurania]

One of the few players l truly love- and l’ve really related to him since my wrist is 150 ft of wire, 11 pins and an L bracket. Like him, because sometimes of him, l’ve learned to replay. Believe it or not, my wrist is better than his injury. But l have known pain and give myself time limits. It’s a lifetime of learning! And creating new limits! Mike Stern is a special person and player. Whenever l feel sorry for myself ( which l shouldn’t- l play fine- ) l see and think of Mike’s injury, get a little teary, and grab the guitar again and realize how lucky l am. PS- l hurt my fretting hand…so Mike inspires me like no other. Send him a pic of this comment- he should know. Next time he’s in Chicago l’d love to meet him and jam.

[@midgarden]

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

[@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!

[@Bompu369]

I've listened to exactly 8 seconds of this content and I am here to reply that I wholeheartedly agree with everything this legend in my life has to say. I first discovered this wavering bebop god echoing down the halls of my dorm hall in the early 90's blasting Michael Becker CD;s while a friend practiced tenor loudly alongside

[@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!!

[@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!!!

[@JohnGriffith-w2w]

I miss Mike Stern at the 55 Bar with Jeff Andrew’s and Adam Nessbaum playing Jazz Standards like a live Tornado 🌪️ in the room !

[@garethhjones]

I saw him there too in 2007. He was playing with Anthony Jackson on bass and a great young drummer called Kim Thomson. I had no idea who he was until I had a chat with the drummer after the gig. Fantastic!

[@josephgallagher945]

Saw Mike on tour with Eric Johnson on their collab album tour. It was awesome. They need to do another album & tour.

[@cantemirash]

What a beautiful mind and artist!Touching

[@mladen777]

I havent finished watching this yet and its already one of the best interviews I've seen. Just done amazing, everything you want from an interview with a legend like this. Thanks Rick so much!

[@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!

[@alessandronespoli6600]

Love Mike Stern!!! ❤

[@funkymystic]

So good, exactly what I needed today!

[@davidfriedline7525]

Super cool guy , loved his honesty and stories ! The history of guys he played with and clubs , he definitely got his experience jumping in the big end lol. ! Great interview like always Rick !

[@tylee5291]

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 :)

[@mfdiogo_]

Mike Stern is one of my top ten guitar heros of all time.

[@Manhattanman52]

Really special interview, Rick !!!

[@blairswanson44]

That was like a road trip to a place we never get to see. 🙏

[@tonytothe8544]

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

[@audioware1]

Amazing player, unique guitar voice and feel

[@jefflittle4427]

Mike has some of the most unique and tasty lines ever! Good interview!

[@huffdm]

I got to see Mike play up close at Jazz Alley in Seattle years ago and he made a positive, memorable impression on me and my ambition to be a better player. Thank you Mike for being you and like wise thank you Rick for another historical and insightful interview. ❤

[@kikiu904]

I saw Stern w/Miles in Copenhagen, 1982. And at Louisiana Museum/Humlebæk in 2021 and 2024. Such beautiful music.

[@Mastering-online]

Once again you interviewed one of my heroes and asked the “right” questions. It´s a gift. Thank you so much

[@nobells4388]

I’ve been a huge Mike Stern fan since forever; great interview! And yes, Barry Finnerty is a badass player too. I like how Mike mentioned that twice.

[@Groovemaster2000]

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

[@jimhealey9566]

My wife and me and my daughter saw him at that little narrow club in NY a ways back...I think 2015 or so in the wintertime. My daughter had never seen jazz live and there he was, singing, playing and ripping in the corner of the room.....with that trio......always with this huge smile....one of a kind...great interview Rick!

[@RemyTrahant]

Awesome, Rick! I got to see Mike Stern and Eric Johnson perform at the Regatta Bar in Cambridge, MA in 2012 I think.

[@VicBattlefield]

Great interview! I´m a fan of both Pat and Mike and saw both in gigs in Vienna, Austria! I still have a CD with Mike´s autograph that I got when he played with the Yellow Jackets there a long time ago. Wonderful memories!

[@RhettDelore]

Mike Stern's live take on "Nothing personal" with Michael Brecker is the sickest solo I've ever heard on a guitar, and it's coming from someone who struggled with speed, amazing.

[@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.

[@jamesherseymusic]

sick thank you for this!, mike is one of those guys who influenced probably everyone who plays the instrument, whether they know it or not 👑

[@LeStraTele]

Mike's playing is special. Equal parts familiar and comfortable with those moments of unique and exciting.

[@ivarronnback]

What an interview! A gold mine of joy and knowledge about music! Mike is such an amazing guitarist and no one can replace Rick as an interviewer in the field of music. I love the both! Thanks for charging this with us all!

[@CaliforniaBushman]

My last show at The 55 Bar in NY was Mike Stern in September 2021. For an audience of 4 😂! Amazing experience. So glad they decided to play. I Tipped heavy. Haven't seen better musicians since.

[@jahjah67]

Love this interview. There’s a real friendship starting here. A joy to watch!

[@ronbalentine2905]

One of the sweetest guys around and an incredible and inspiring musician. He reminds me so much of Coltrane in the way that he builds a solo through chorus after chorus and tells a complete story. So great. Solid interview as usual.

[@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.

[@6deste]

Absolutely fantastic discussion, thank you both.

[@hefewiseman]

I dont really watch this interviewer much, but Mike Stern is one of my favorite musicians, as a guy and all around player, great writer also..plus the way he appreciates the other players in detail ..Al Foster ...etc...also a great electro-acoustic ballad player.. wow....Plus, I remember that terrible accident he had , his playing came back so fast after that,frustrating for him yes, but he figured it out....still plays great..

[@gordondelaney8154]

Mike is the best. Thank you Rick. He was very kind to me when I was a young guitar student.

[@RogerShepard]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Beauty is the effort - Mike Stern

[@georgedeaniv3641]

I’ve been waiting for this !!!!!! My favorite player and Rick is the master at interviewing and musical insight! Super grateful!

[@tednruth453]

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

[@DougCraun]

I love this I saw Stern at a club in DC ages ago. But this ain't an interview it's just Stern talking. Great stuff

[@agamhamzah2924]

Upside Downside is phenomenal album

[@mrkutzkee]

thank You. this literally saved this dark day. Mike spreads such a positive energy. I used to sit at 55 Bar Mondays, recording his shows with a Sony Walkman. transcribing stuff the next day. I have a 45 minute recording of "There's No Greater Love". the intro alone took 10 minutes.

[@Gibfenez]

Thank you thank you thank you. So needed this today. Music for life!

[@ivandavidguitare3713]

Thank you Rick for having the great Mike Stern ! He was my youth and I discovered him with "We want Miles", this record braught me to jazz, that was the start of my musical journey ! I saw him only one time in Paris, for the first solo album tour of Michael Brecker, oh man what a night !!!

[@dstrongcrowe432strong6]

Wow, that's my guy right there. Masterful playing, composing and incredibly humble!

[@jamescanty9214]

One of the most fabulous of interviews.. wonderful stuff... thank you Rick.

[@RichardCharles-RCJH]

I've seen Mike in NYC several times thru the years, always great! And as this interview is a great example, Mike is always the most upbeat and genuinely humble soul, who has coincidentally played with so many of my heroes like the Breckers. Terrific job, Rick!

[@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 …

[@bostjankovacic8960]

Great one Rick. Kudos!

[@babarayhey]

I've been looking for this interview since I saw the short a little while back. I've been a big fan of Mike's since that Mile's come back record and the killer solo on Fat Time. I've seen him live a number of times, including with Miles. I had arrived early enough at one concert to catch the end of a sound check. We were in the front row. Mike came over and talked to me and my friends. He was so kind and humble.

[@dougappel5924]

Man, I saw him playing with Miles on SNL or something, and he just tore it up. Admired his work ever since! Great interview, Rick!

[@MySynthDungeon]

Mike Stern!!! Ya! Here we go! Cheers! Rick ,you are,The best!! Coffee on! ;-)!

[@azdesertrat7849]

Mike is a phenom and cool dude. Met him years ago at the Blue Note in NYC. My girlfriend was a session jazz guitarist who knew Mike and took me to a show, I was absolutely floored!!

[@braytunes]

This is fantastic! Love Mike Stern and glad to see he has been added to the stellar list of guitar greats that Rick Beats interviews. No better interviewer as well. How about Wayne Krantz anBill Frisell next?

[@pedropresence]

Thank you for making this; it's wonderful, and personally, I really needed to see and hear it

[@maxion5109]

"Music is the language of the heart" - Mike Stern

[@herbstcasting]

So great. The people Rick chooses to interview and the stuff he gets out of them are just incredible. We’re ready for the Marcus Miller interview now, Rick!

[@feralsanders]

After listening to Stern for decades, he somehow recently has entered the super A-list category for me. His newest release is easily among his very best... in the twilight of his career. Highly recommended.

[@TheLordLeviticus]

Wow, what honest and heartfelt discussion. An amazing person

[@gongqi67]

Thanks for the interview Rick! The school of Mike. He is a walking encyclopedia of musical knowledge. And an amazing musician. I love his playing on that live Miles album.