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

[@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. 🤔

[@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....

[@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 (!)

[@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..

[@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 💯

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

Another legend interviewed… amazing!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@renorailfanning5465]

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

[@jetsun3197]

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

[@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]

💯

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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...

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@Bluebottiglia]

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

[@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.......

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@francis-808]

Stern was a fantastic guest. A pleasure to watch.

[@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!

[@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 !!!!

[@brianaxel4589]

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

[@kentbyron7608]

Beautifully said. Word!❤

[@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".

[@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.

[@patrickcrawford5532]

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

[@TysonGraf]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@midgarden]

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

[@backlineman]

Fantastic. Thank you both. I know a little bit, and see Kevin Kaufman from time to time at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Fl where he is an in house audio engineer.

[@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

[@mikeaimer]

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

[@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!"

[@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"

[@ko4kin]

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

[@alessandronespoli6600]

Love Mike Stern!!! ❤

[@666Wizardsleeve]

Yet again I watch a musician that, in my ignorance, I was completely unaware of, interviewed by Rick Beato. Yet again, I am completely intrigued and transported to a happy place, away from the overwhelming negativity that is all-pervading elsewhere on the internet. Thankyou Mike Stern and Beato, you magnificent bastard, for asking questions which are a prompt to allow your guest to talk, without you feeling any need to interrupt purely to hear the sound of your own voice. I love this channel, thank you!

[@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.

[@mikerathgeber8057]

I saw Mike Stern in Quebec City in May of '81 with Tiger Okoshi in a tiny little club with a stage that measured 8 X 10. What a show!! Memorable!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@lukasz_fijalkowski]

Mike Stern is one of the greatest Musician ever. I love his guitar style. Rick Beato - great interview. Greetings from Poland.

[@RBC2_]

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

[@timlanders1137]

Rick - truly enjoy your interviews! This one with Mike is special for me as I shared many many notes with him over the years. I was on stage with Mike the night Miles came to check him out at The Bottom Line with Billy Cobham and it was indeed a funny little moment; In the middle of the show, Miles came up to the back of the stage and gruffly whispered in my direction “hey bass player! tell Billy I want to talk to him”. I relayed the message to Billy who got up from behind his drums (during a Michael Urbaniak solo cadenza). I vaguely remember Miles taking Billy‘s brushes and walking back to his seat with them! Anyway, as Mike mentioned, Miles basically told Billy he wanted his guitar player to show up at either his house or a studio session the next day. We had another gig booked at the bottom line that next night and we were all anxious to ask Mike how things went with Miles. I mean, it was only the best gig in the world back then! That was one of the last shows Mike played with Billy as he went onto work with Miles immediately after and onto his solo career. Needless to say, we had to get a replacement guitar player and that’s when I recommended Dean Brown for Billy’s band, who we sadly lost less than a year ago. I just wanted to chime in and tell you I appreciate your channel and if Mike happens to read this a big hello to him. Neeeesh!!

[@adburger]

Tim, I have loved your work over the years, thank you.

[@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...

[@robertosozio3425]

Great Mike Stern. One great musician umil. ❤❤🌹🌹

[@DanielHoerle-ww9so]

Yeah that 70s hippie vibe.

[@alexandrumircea]

Thank you for this, Rick. It's rare than an hour of my life gets so well spent. Before, I hadn't heard of of Mike; now, at the end of this, I am so enriched. I wish this went on for longer. I don't remember the last time I knew someone so humble as Mike, especially in what concerns ability and achievement. It works also as an interesting parallel to the other recent interview, with David Gilmour, who allows himself a bit of a brag - and that too feels right, in its own way (he's been through so much! he's earned it). You two remininscing about the 70s jazz scene in Boston was so wholesome that I was reminded of the meme "guys saying old footballers' names to each other and have a great time"

[@barkofdog]

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

[@kennyrosario-pugh9487]

Amazing interview. One of the greatest guitarists of all time yet so humble and still willing to learn and grow.

[@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!!

[@JG-lc2es]

This is my favorite Beato interview. Mike Stern- so real, so amazing. I saw him at the 55 right before it closed and a time before that with his trio at a club in Houston. After the Hou show, I felt like I had been taken on a journey. So much ground covered, so many far out places visited. So so good

[@zazaz44]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@celestialaeonproject]

Love Mike so much, I still remember back in the day when I first saw Brecker Brothers Barcelona live from '92 and Stern was just killing it... Been a huge fan ever since

[@MysticVic1]

That was just plain sweet. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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!

[@jorgepereira-spanishdeligh3069]

My second favourite interview after Metheny; breathtaking listening to you guys!

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Great interview , I love Mike Stern's work , was fortunate to see him play in Boston a handful of times back in the 1990's ( My older brother was a Mike Stern freak at the time so my bro treated me to a ticket at each show ), I remember during a certain show my brother & I looked at eachother with tears streaming down our faces because the music was SO moving , I can still recall the feeling , so beautiful ! Love the stories about his past career , Thank You Rick & Mike !

[@szunabass]

Mr. Beato. Thank you again for another memorable interview, and bringin these legends so close for us... I always knew that Mike is a extraordinary kind, and humble person, love to listening him... Love his playing, love his tunes as well... I 've covered one of his ballads for bass for my graduation concert in 2005 - titled Wherever you are. Masterpiece... felt like crying when played that one...

[@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 …

[@andrewcook1380]

Wow. This is one of the best Beato interviews in my opinion. Such great energy in the room, Mike is an absolute diamond and the way Rick enables and encourages the interview is just masterful (as usual)

[@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.

[@rodolpheponthus2948]

I love this guy so much. A pure SOUL

[@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!

[@mrufino1]

So many great lineups at the 55 Bar. It’s sadly gone now.

[@BasVossen]

@@mrufino1 sad to read this, for what reason is it closed?

[@garethhjones]

@@BasVossen Losses during Covid lockdown apparently.

[@davidsheriff9274]

Yes,it didn't survive the pandemic. Coincidentally, the place that all those guys used to play before 55 Bar was called 55 Grand and when that closed they found 55 Bar on Christopher Street,I guess now they are all looking for another bar to jam at with a 55 in the address. Harvey S has some recordings of those early gigs he did with Mike there on his KZbin channel.

[@jimbim4405]

DAMN!! I'm not a guitarist, but on his VERY first note when he just plays a C, you KNOW and FEEL that this is Mr Stern!! Finding a sound all your own is so hard - but hell - he HAS it!!

[@horstlippitsch]

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

[@hrabanus]

Man, thank you Rick for bringing in these wonderful human beings with their stories, their talent and wisdom. You channel is one of the best things on the internet.

[@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.

[@johnnyfreedom4117]

I love his guitar, sound, and humility. Most of your guests are very humble, but this is so encouraging to hear this guy talk about staying with it. Thank you Mr. Stern. Cheers to you bud.

[@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!

[@chrishowe8614]

OMG. You just showed me another half dozen CDs I need to get. Your channel is costing me money! EDIT: 20 minutes into the interview, I paused you checked wikipedia and amazon. Now at the 19 minute mark I have 3 CDs paid for and on the way!

[@tonytothe8544]

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

[@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.