“The finest jazz guitarist of the last 40 years to play with a rock sound. His solos strike an enjoyable balance between bebop shredding and searing blues” – London Jazz News
An electrifying musician whose blistering chops combine rock-fusion firepower with sophisticated jazz harmonies, Stern is regarded as one of the very best in his field, with no less than 6 GRAMMY Award nominations, and ‘Certified Legend Award’ status bestowed upon him by Guitar Player Magazine.
Performing with Mike on the tour will be one of the world’s most influential funk drummers DENNIS CHAMBERS, German jazz guitarist and singer, and Mike’s wife, LENI STERN on Guitar/Vocals, Brooklyn based NOAM TANZER on Bass and Australian’s own BLAINE WHITTAKER on Saxaphone.
Stern’s new album ‘Echoes And Other Songs’ – released just last week (Sept 13 via Mack Avenue Music Group/Artistry Music) – showcases the legendary guitarist reaching new heights with renowned collaborators including Christian McBride, Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez, Dennis Chambers, and Richard Bona.
The triumphant album follows the loss of long-time producer and keyboardist Jim Beard, the closure of Stern’s beloved 55 Bar, and the continuing physical hurdles he faces after a 2016 injury, where after a fall in New York, Stern broke both of his humerus bones. The aftermath of that including potentially career-ending nerve damage that particularly threatened his picking hand. The road to recovery has been long, hard, and ongoing, but Stern says “I’m gonna keep trying with whatever I got. You know I got to.”
“Because I love it,” he adds, “and love means that some days you hate it; those two sides are on the same coin. But the love is definitely winning out.” Consider Mike Stern’s Echoes and Other Songs his love letter to jazz, to the guitar, to bandstand camaraderie, and to his own undefeated will. Audiences in Australia have the opportunity to witness this love letter, and more, live in February.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Friday 14 February l The Lounge, Concourse l Chatswood l NSW
Saturday 15 February l Factory Theatre l Marrickville l NSW
Sunday 16 February l The Gov l Adelaide l SA
Tuesday 18 February l Princess Theatre l Brisbane l QLD
Thur 20 – Sat 22 February l Bird’s Basement l Melbourne l VIC
Tickets to all shows on sale 9am, September 17 via Gerrard Allman Events
https://gerrardallmanevents.com.au/
*Melbourne shows on sale via Bird’s Basement*
MORE ABOUT MIKE STERN
Legendary guitarist Mike Stern has been celebrated for his versatile playing style since he first hit the scene in the 1970s, transcending genre by performing with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, The Brecker Brothers, Béla Fleck, and more.
His bebop/blues-infused, rock-tinged style has earned him 6 GRAMMY® Award nominations and Guitar Player Magazine’s Certified Legend Award. https://mikestern.org/
