In Support of MIKE STERN | F*** off trolls! 

Mike Stern doesn't owe anyone anything...A singularly unique contributor...We have all had decades of joy listening to his flights of freedom...I hope he has the wisdom to spend what he has left of life enjoying himself. Thanks for the post Andy.

Pat Martino overcame a traumatic brain injury and relearned guitar playing ! Just thought he deserves s mention here

Mike’s the nicest guy you could ever meet.

I'm 58 & have played guitar for 50+ years. Now I suffer from diabetic neuropathy which causes numbness in my hands. I can't shred like I used to. I have had to adjust my playing to be more succinct, more expressive & concentrate more on phrasing. Non-musician friends have given great feedback. They don't care how fast I can or can't play. I miss being able to play some of the stuff I used to, but they seem to prefer what I'm doing now. I feel I've become more of a musician & less of a "player". It's a new & challenging leg of my musical journey. Thanks for this video & for reminding me what an inspiration Mike Stern was, is & continues to be.

Mike changed my life. I used to head in from Long Island in the late 80s and check out his amazing trio with Adam Nussbaum and Jeff Andrews ( the latter, I copped a couple of lessons from). But I am friend with at least one person who counts Mike as a friend, and he is a badass and just about the sweetest and sensitive guy you will ever meet. The internet has unfortunately bred some of the worst toxic shit humankind has wrought and here is one example. Thanks for addressing this, Andy

Great video! Years ago I worked with a honky-tonk/country guy from Texas. On the plane to Europe he got harangued by the crew telling him he can‘t take his small travel guitar onto the plane. A guy intervened saying ‚Hey, I‘m in first class, I‘ll take your guitar over no problem.‘ It was Mike Stern, on his way to Paris to perform with Eric Johnson. I think this says a lot about what a great person he is - let alone one of the all-time guitar greats. ❤

I saw Les Paul perform here in New York at the Iridium club when he was 83 years old. He couldn't zip around like he could when he was a younger whippersnapper. He also played BEAUTIFULLY, spinning out melodies like unspooling ribbons. We need to listen to the musicians who've arrived at places we don't know yet.

We saw Mike at the Jazz Showcase a few years ago, post accident and recovery. He was fabulous! He had a big smile the whole time that told me he was enjoying himself. That smile can be seen in old videos of him as well. Good for you Mike! Thanks for the music.

Hello, I was a student at Berklee College Of Music in the 80s and followed mikes playing. I went to see him play at the famous 1369 Jazz club in Boston MA several times. I had the pleasure of meeting him at these gigs and he was always extremely friendly as well as humble. He always managed to take these gigs to another level with his genius soloing! 2 weeks ago I was at the Birdland show in NYC. This was guitar night at the club hosted by Frank Vignola and guests Mike and Jimmy Bruno. I do not know what show these trolls were watching but Mike still took this gig to another level! He held back on the scorching Overdriven leads, but he added Just enough edge on his solos too play as well as he always does! In fact it sounds like he is getting better with the statements he is saying through his Axe! Long Live Mike Stern a true musical Genius!

I've always absolutely loved "We want Miles ", mainly for Stern's playing!

You're 100% correct Andy; the knowledge should be respected more than the facility.

Bravo, Andy! Well put. Mike Stern is a gem of a man, a national treasure as a player. We all love him!

Well said, Can't believe this, Mike is one of the greats with absolutely nothing to prove. The young shredders and trolls will never make albums and write compositions on the level that Mike does. He seems like the coolest cat too.

Mike Stern is a MASTER!!! Nobody sounds like him, phrasing, tone, lines..... I have a couple of his CDs from the 80's same as Lee Ritenour, Al Di Meola, Jeff Beck and Joe Pass. Individuality and knowledge (What to play & what NOT to play) beats shallow displays of Chops anyday!!!

Mike is an incredible musician

Back in July 1997 I saw the Mike Stern Band live at the Irish center in Leeds UK-a great evening because not only was the music good but a pair of Japanese girls who lived near Mike in California introduced me to him after the gig. I got to hear first hand what it was like to be in Miles' band and so on-what a kind and humble guy-no wonder Miles liked hi. Keep up the good work Andy-I like your channel a lot.

I worship McLaughlin, I love Metheny, but I DIG Mike, which is a slightly different thing. That’s because I was a serious old-school blues cat - Son House, John Hammond, etc. - when I was a kid, before fusion was invented. When I first heard Mike I immediately recognized all the stuff he got from the blues, especially from Roy Buchanan - the harmonics, the double bends, etc. When Roy died Mike inherited one of his Telecasters.

I love Mike Stern's playing! I was lucky enough to see him with Dennis Chambers back in the early 2000's.

Mike Stern is the man,outstanding guitar player❤️

Mike Stern is incredible on many many levels

Mike Stern’s solo on “Fat Time” is ALSO MY favorite! Unbelievably inventive-the “up the ladder/down the ladder” section in particular. And “Chromazone” is best heard live. Check out several elsewhere.

I live in NYC where Mike Stern used to perform every Wednesday at the now defunct 55 Bar. He's the nicest, most accessible person, not to mention a genius performer who gives his all to the music. Hats off to him!

Reminds me of Keith Emerson, who unfortunately dealt with people's criticism of his loss of manual dexterity by taking his own life.

I saw Mike play last year recently and he looks and sounds amazing at 71. Music is obviously good for the soul and health.

I like the 'Django's two fingers' returning as the 'Anglo-Saxon two fingers' thing. Kind of circular and pleasing.

Just listened to Fat Time for the first time after you mentioned it, blimey, took me to another planet, loved it. Listening to the whole Miles album now, epic. I never knew about Mike Stern, I do now. Appreciate you spreading the word.

No one can write instrumental ballads like Mike.

Thanks, Andy. About 10 years ago, I saw Mike with Eric Johnson. At the end of the show, leaving the stage, Mike stopped and had a brief chat with me, an enthusiastic nobody. He was the sweetest guy imaginable.

I heard Mike play back in the late 90’s when he was in Perth, Western Australia. Flawless, dreamy and totally unique. Weckl was on drums so that says a lot.

Back in the 90's, I took my friend Mike to see Jimmy Smith, a masterful jazz organist, at the Blue Note for his birthday. He became a big fan after receiving an album from a gym teacher back in high school. And Jimmy Smith had been in a car accident before the show, which meant he was only able to play with one hand. It didn't stop him from blowing us away that night. There's a message in that.

The universe spent 4 billion years to arrive at Mike Stern, I hope he still channels it for us all.

In the mid 90-ies I saw Mike Stern and his band at Sandviken Big Band Bang musical festival in Sweden and was blewn away by this amazing guitarist. Thank you Edward for bringing our attention to the nightmare that so many people undeservedly experience on social media!

A very welcome video. The first jazz concert I went to was the Mike Stern/Bob Berg band. So Mike has a special place in my personal musical history. 🙂

Mike Stern is a total hero to me. I met him in the studio once and he was super nice to a total unknown like me. I'll never forget it that he showed me a total newb, respect just before my own session. Anyways, Mike should never quit - he has a creative spark which transcends playing fast or what ever. Technique of that sort can be acquired by any monkey with a metronome. It's the creativity that matters.

Great video. I learned about Mike Stern when I attended Berklee College of Music and heard him live several times. He was and still is today one of the most innovative and thought provoking guitarists I have ever heard. He owes nothing to people who cannot express themselves with love and respect. The hateful attitude in some people today baffles me. Mike, please continue to bless us with your music and wisdom... We love you!

Thanks Andy for taking responsibility to stand up for Worlds Greatest Guitarist.We love Mike and he is more famous now...Trollers phychology is to be great for what they put up.Cheap people do that!!

This is an important message. Artists like Stephane Grappelli and Robert Fripp played into their 70's at a very high level, maybe losing a half step of speed but more than making up for it with experience. Sustained curiosity, passion and drive breed ingenuity when seemingly insurmountable roadblocks arise.

My first Mike Stern was 'Play' 20 yrs back, and he's always been my Hero.. Ever since.. F*** the controversy!

Andy, your video is totally on the mark. Thank you. Mike Stern will always be one of the all-time greats because of his musicality. His mind blowing technique caught the focus of superficial listeners, but what really matters is his deep musicality that transcends mere 'chops'. I didn't know anyone was criticizing him until I watched your video. That is very sad because not only is Mike a groundbreaking artist, he is a humble, kind, and very encouraging human being, who has enriched the world of music.

Excellent video and commentary, the way you describe music and the process of making music, and it uniting people, is amazing, it is perfect. Brings tears to my eyes. If we ever needed music to pull us closer together, it is now, and we have that ability now because a lot of the genre barriers of music have been broken because all music is so accessible to almost everyone with a connection to the internet.

Makes me really sad if Mike in any way has been affected by something as stupid as internet trolls. Sad world we are living in today. He really is one of the most inspiring musicians i have ever heard and he really got me interessted in studying and listening to jazz. Plus he seems like the nicest guy. The man is a legend.

Thank you for standing up for him. He was and still is a great guitarist. More to a great guitar than techniques. There is expression feel and experience too.

Great piece Andy! I have a few comments. I've only seen him perform once. It was roughly 5 years ago; he had the pick glued to his hand, and it was an incredible performance that featured a lot of styles of music including some fantastic blues as well as fusion and more or less straight ahead jazz. He MEANT every single note he played and it was an inspired performance. He had a great band that featured a young woman named Kim Thompson on drums and Bob Franceschini on sax, both of whom are on the CD "Who Let the Cats Out?", which is my favorite record by him (although there are many I have never heard), I spent part of my youth living in the Washington D.C. area. As a young teenager of about 13 or 14 years old I heard about a kid named Mike Stern that was only 1 year older that was playing in professional blues and rock bands in D.C.. I never saw him back then, but years later realized it was the same Mike Stern. And yes...F@!K the trolls.

I heard Mike Stern with Miles in Copenhagen in 1985. He was absolutely amazing.

Thanks Andy. Well said. And Mike; please keep playing and creating. You make the world a better place. 🙏

I was privileged to see Mike at Ronnie Scott's this past May. The man is absolutely awesome. Tireless inventive and exploring. Diss Mike Stern and you show the world your ignorance. Plus, the most humble and genuine guy you will ever meet.

What???!!!! Mike is such brilliant musician, and a sweet guy. I was lucky enough to meet him many years ago and he was so nice and genuine. It is amazing he came back after that terrible accident...I know because I had a terrible accident at around the same time, which still affects me today.....Mike is total inspiration!!!! Love to Mike

"I haven't seen the videos and I haven't seen the comments." But social media "trolls" are out to get Mike Stern. This is very Andy.

Very Nice of You Andy .Social Media has sadly brought about the Rise of Trollls and Keyboard Haters . Kindness Always Prevails . Hadn't heard about Mikes Injury You make some very good points .I Saw Mike Play with Jacos Word of Mouth Band and He was fantastic .

I was his chauffeur for gig in Leeds in the 90s, a very nice guy indeed.

I honestly despair of the online community. Any excuse to have a pop at people for no reason at all. Keyboard warriors, one of the reasons I closed my music page on Facebook. Anyway, another cool post 😎

Been a fan since the Miles days. I first saw Mike in person in the 80s with the Michael Brecker Group and he destroyed all pretenders. About 6 years later I was running sound for a band that opened for his group (w/Weckl and Andrews) giving me the chance to actually meet him and hang out after the show, and he couldn't have been a more personable or gracious person. He was a surprisingly nice guy and my fandom of his work only grew. The last time I saw him he was touring with Eric Johnson and still delivered the goods. I was really sorry to hear about his injury and glad to hear that he has persevered. I'm not aware of the criticisms referenced by this video, but anyone that gives Mike grief doesn't know him. He is a treasure to all of us whether we realize it or not.

I remember first being exposed to Mike Stern's playing when a friend at Uni played me some of the Miles stuff. This will have been in 1983. What I heard was something I hadn't heard a guitarist do before. He was 'violining' on his tone control to make it sound like a wah wah. The guy was so creative.

Great video Andy, Mike Stern has been a huge inspiration for me!

Illness and the aggressive treatments for that illness forced me to retire from my profession. Oddly enough studying jazz guitar has helped me to redirect my focus and regain a sense of balance and self expression. Now I was very good at my previous job and I’m a lousy guitarist but studying and playing music to the level I’m able is healing for the body and the spirit. I’m sorry for Mike Stern’s loss but I hope, despite the trolls, he can find that sense of healing and restoration that music can provide.

Andy, great call to mention Fat Time, a superb and under rated track with superb playing by all

Music is ❤ Exactly

Excellent vid. I've been going through this thing in the last few years... I'm 63 and I'm pushing that bit more and adapting and pacing.

Thanks for articulating this response Andy. Mike is awesome and the “Time in Place” album is the greatest. Love all your vids. We are into the same stuff. Slade. Yessss. ( bumped into Don Powell in the Co op in Bexhill once!😆) Grew up on them. They were the original reason I got into guitar……… Then there was “ Birds of Fire”……….. Holdsworth, Henderson etc. x

I used to buy all of Stern's albums starting with Upside Downside. The two that really stood out for me are Odds or Evens, and Standards and Other Songs. And the first three tunes on Jigsaw. I also caught him live a few times. At one gig he did a pre show duo session with a local bass player breezing through a bunch of standards. He's a master at playing that stuff.

The Man With The Horn is one of my favorite jazz albums. Mike's playing is so creative and soulful. Also, Al Foster's interpretation of funk drumming is incredible- what a versatile musician. His '82 recording with Tommy Flanagan doing Giant Steps was my blueprint for how to swing.

Love mike stern. Great vid friend .

I’ve seen Stern several times, first time with Miles, with Sco in the band as well, The Star People tour. Amazing artist, and a bad break for him still in his prime. I haven’t heard his playing since the accident, but he is lucky he can still play. Besides the artists mentioned, Keith Jarrett has had a stroke which deprived him of the use of his left arm. For an artist for whom music is life itself this must be a very difficult time for him. Gary Burton also retired after he had a stroke and felt something had changed in his playing.

Plenty of ignorance and hate to go around. I would rather listen to artists express themselves even if they have suffered setbacks. Thanks for making this. JT

I’ve never been a fan of Mike Stern. But as a guitarist I do recognize his ability and there have been moments I have appreciated. I pray he continues to play. Not only would he still have much value to his fans, but he would much to impart to students. Many guitarists who have suffered illnesses have persevered on, several comments citing them. Another guitarist, not well known, is Bill McLaughlin…no relation to John. Due to his illness he learned to go from right handed to left. Rock on Mike.

So well said, Andy! I was fortunate enough to see Scofield a few months back. absolutely spellbinding.

Out of limitations, new forms emerge - Georges Braque

How could anyone say something mean about Mike? He's one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. I saw him a couple of years ago, post accident, and his playing was transcending. Yeah, F* the trolls. Your real fans know what you can do. I hope to see and meet you again at another show.

Beautiful message ❤ thank you Andy.

You get wiser with your art realising one brush stroke can be the magic one just like that musical note. You’ve learned so much over the years you can apply it with confidence you didn’t have when younger. You know yourself better too.

So well said Andy... I totally agree! I cut a finger terribly which meant I couldn't play chords, so I wrote one chord songs! And some of them peeps love! It makes you have to try new things and technics. MIKE - never stop! Do it for yourself if no one else! Go with the journey! Peace!

Great argument Andy. Another example I can think of is Joni Mitchell, she had polio in her infancy and began with her crazy open tunings looking for ways to play the guitar more comfortably. BTW Mike Stern is a force of nature 💪

Mike Stern was always an amazing musician…and still is !!….

A little off topic, Andy, but I think the phrase, “F*** off Trolls!” should be in the title of every RU-vid video. We need it even more for Facebook entries.

Used to see Mike and Leni Stern at 55 Grand in the village. Beautiful artist. Anyone with anything bad to say is not listening to the music.

It would be no exaggeration to say that Mike Stern has forgotten more about guitar playing than I will ever know, and God bless him for it.

location and lighting are good

Well put Andy, agree 100% Mike deserves all the love and respect we can give him not b/s from idiots who've not got 1% up the mountain that Stern looks down at them from.

If you want to support M.S., he will play 11 times in July and August at Birdland N.Y.C

Good for you Andy. You're a good man, and I appreciate your discussion of a musician being on a creative journey as they age. Mike Stern has never been my favorite guitarist in the decades that I've listened to him, but there has never been any denying his rich technique, knowledge, speed and fluidity as a player. One of my favorite albums is Mood Swings Vol. 5 with Jaco Pastorious, a furious session of blowing from Mike, Jaco , drummer Andy Nussbaum and saxist Steve Slagle. I've watched his more recent videos and what I hear is a mature, imaginative style no less expressive or, at times, fevered as the man's salad days. Good on ya

I did not know that about Mike. I met him once at Sadowsky's. He is a really nice person and I'm so sorry to hear about his accident.

I first heard Mike on that Miles Davis "Fat Time" , that's a baaad solo man, been a fan of his ever since. The solo he did on "Kix" from the We Want Miles album is a burner too, it almost sounds horn like. Anyway, he's one of the best around and hopefully he'll find some newer and continued musical inspirations and explorations to share with us in the future.

Deeply insightful and much-needed commentary. Thank you!

Thank you for doing this video !

I really enjoy Mike's playing with Steps Ahead. I don't think he's on one of the albums, but there's a few live video's. Especially 1986 Japan is nuts

Andy you're so right!! Those totaly dum trolls have no clew and you won't change that, they just are incredible stupid! love you mike!!!

Thank you Andy. Beautiful talk about getting older...... I saw Stern in Boston at 1369 club in 1986 and I saw him again this winter at Drom in NYC. He played beautifully both shows and was incredibly warm as a person both times. He rocks, pure and simple.

He’s great, and Leni’s doing great work as well.

You blew me away when I first heard you, just carry on doing so, music is part of you🙂

i saw mike stern around 2006ish in a small club. absolutely insane show. afterward, we somehow ended up in the "backstage" area. alain caron and i made eye contact, he walked over and with zero prompting he gave me an autograph. it was kind of weird

Love Mike Stern's Music, and expression so much,I saw him with Miles Davis & Marcis Miller & Grant Park,CHICAGO 1983 60,000+ people,amazing incredible,he is a gift to music,I have been following him every time I have had a chance ever snce, great post again Andy, My everlasting support to Mike & his lovely wife Leni!!!

Great video. Thanks x

Hi Andy, First, love your channel. I rarely post comments but this video got me. I’ve loved Mike Stern’s playing for years but have admired his compositions even more. I’ve seen him many times at the 55 Bar & he always delivered. Also, he was always very nice with fans. Last, I recovered from a bicycle accident that shattered my right wrist & after surgery & 10 months of pt I then had to begin relearning guitar right hand technique from zero. There were times I cried with the guitar in my hands. So I totally get Mike’s struggle. Kudos to him for sticking it out & F*ck all these internet trolls. How many of them will be remembered for their contribution to music & the world? Could they have played with Miles?

That's Great Andy! And, Yes Mike Stern is phenomenal!

My friend and I seen Mike stern With Dennis chambers. At the basement in Sydney. Like jazz Club. Said hello with Dennis Signed his name a flyer for the Night. Then left. Humble Dennis was. That's why there liked.cheers years ago now.

Thanks for all you do Andy

Thanks Andy, love your work. It is disgraceful this ever degradation of legendary players and I agree with your analysis. Everyone ages and the achievements of youth disappear into fullness of a well lived life. This trolling I believe led to Keith Emerson's suicide, absolutely disgusting. However there is a joke about the young bull and the old bull being let into the paddock of the heifers. The young bull says "lets run down the hill and shag a few of these heifers" The old bull says "No, lets walk down the hill and shag all of these Heifers" Therin lies the wisdom of age and experience. Cheers

What a very poignant post you made here Andrew. I have learned so much in just 12 minutes and 47 seconds. Thank you so very much.

You’re a good man. Saw him before and after and he is just as good. He’s amazing.

beautiful touching message every one should listen