Mike Stern, born Michael Sedgwick on January 10, 1953, is an American jazz guitarist celebrated for his work with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Billy Cobham, and Miles Davis. Named Best Jazz Guitarist of 1993 by Guitar Player magazine, Stern has significantly contributed to the renewal of jazz, earning him the Miles Davis Award at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2007. In 2009, he was recognized as one of Down Beat's 75 best jazz guitarists of all time.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Stern is the son of Helen Stern (née Helen Phillips Burroughs), a sculptor and art patron, and Henry Dwight Sedgwick V. His adoptive stepfather was Philip M. Stern, the son of businessman Edgar B. Stern Sr. Actress Kyra Sedgwick is his half-sister. Growing up in Washington, D.C., Stern began playing guitar at age 12, drawing inspiration from B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix.
From Glam Rock to Jazz Fusion
Simultaneously with his early influences, he was lead guitarist of a D.C. glam-rock band, the Dubonettes, who later became Charlie and the Pep Boys. This eclectic beginning showcased his versatility and set the stage for his future explorations in music.
In 1979, Stern joined Billy Cobham's fusion band, marking a pivotal transition into the world of jazz fusion. Two years later, he joined Miles Davis, making his public debut in 1981, a performance recorded on the album "We Want Miles". He remained with Davis through 1983 until he was replaced by guitarist John Scofield.
Challenges and Turning Points
Stern faced personal challenges during this period. In a 2009 interview, he openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse, stating, "If Miles wants to put you in a rehab, you know you've got something wrong." From 1983 to 1984, he toured with Jaco Pastorius, a period also characterized by heavy drug use. In 1985, he returned to tour with Davis, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his music.
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Solo Career and Recognition
Stern's solo debut, "Upside Downside," released on Atlantic Records in 1986, featured Jaco Pastorius, David Sanborn, and Bob Berg. From 1986 through 1988, he was a member of Michael Brecker's quintet, appearing on "Don't Try This at Home." His second Atlantic album, 1988's "Time in Place," featured Peter Erskine on drums, Jim Beard on keyboards, Jeff Andrews on bass, Don Alias on percussion, and Don Grolnick on organ.
In 1989, Stern formed a touring group with Bob Berg, Dennis Chambers, and Lincoln Goines. They remained together through 1992 and are featured on the album "Odds or Evens." In 1992, Stern joined a reunited Brecker Brothers Band for two years. His acclaimed 1993 album, "Standards (and Other Songs)," led to his being named Best Jazz Guitarist of the Year by the readers and critics of Guitar Player. He followed that with 1994's "Is What It Is" and 1996's "Between the Lines," both of which received Grammy Award nominations. In 1997 he released "Give and Take," with bassist John Patitucci, drummer Jack DeJohnette, percussionist Don Alias and special guests Michael Brecker and David Sanborn. He won the Orville W.
Later Years and Collaborations
After fifteen years with Atlantic, Stern signed with ESC Records for the 2004 release of "These Times," an eclectic album that included guest appearances by bassist Richard Bona, saxophonist Kenny Garrett, and banjoist Béla Fleck. He joined the Heads Up label with the August 2006 release of "Who Let the Cats Out?"
In 2008, he collaborated with the Yellowjackets for their "Lifecycle" album, contributing two compositions and performing on most of the tracks. He toured with the Yellowjackets for much of 2008 and 2009. He was presented with Guitar Player magazine's Certified Legend Award on January 21, 2012. In 2014, Stern toured with guitarist Eric Johnson in the Eclectic Guitar Tour.
Injury and Resilience
In the summer of 2016, Stern reported serious injuries to his shoulders and right arm after tripping and falling. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to perform and record, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft.
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Gear and Sound
An early and important guitar for Stern was a hybrid 1950s/1960s Fender Telecaster, previously owned by Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton, which was stolen from him in an armed robbery in Boston. Stern uses a pair of Fender Twin amps or his Yamaha G100-212. Stern's recognizable chorused sound is created in part by a Yamaha SPX-90, split for stereo. His pedal board consists mostly of Boss pedals.
Accolades and Legacy
Stern's contributions to jazz have been widely recognized. His Grammy Award nominations include:
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album: "Is What It Is" (1995)
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album: "Between the Lines" (1997)
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album: "Voices" (2002)
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album: "Who Let the Cats Out?"
He also won the Orville W. Best Jazz Guitarist award.
Discography
- All Over the Place (Heads Up, 2012)
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