Seventh Plectrum Podcast - Mike Stern's fusion guitar.

Mike Stern is another master guitarist, this time in the realm of Fusion. Fusion is another word for Jazz/Rock actually but Mike Stern's music does not always strictly adhere to this catagory neither.

By the way, Stern visited Malta some time ago and played at the Malta Jazz Festival held every July, but sadly I was not present there and missed a great show.

Mike Stern started off playing with Blood Sweat and Tears - an early 70's Jazz Rock band and then moved on to join the likes of the renowned Billy Cobham and the late Miles Davis and lastly the Michael Brecker band. Many such great musicians nowadays form part of Mike Stern's own bands (he creates a new band for each album he records).

The first two tracks I am bringing you in this podcast are more like jazzy/romantic ballads if anything. I kept in mind those of you who are not really into jazz so I started off gradually. Then to give you a taste of Mike Stern's wilder jazzy side, I am bringing you the last track, Scuffle (its not the wildest of them all mind you).

For more information about this artist click on his picture at the top left hand corner of this article.

Podcast description:

TRACK 1: After You - From UPSIDE DOWN (1986). Upside Down is considered Mike's best album ever and I tend to agree. The compositions (all Mike's) are really great and I never tire to listening to the album (strangely it has only 6 tracks). This particular track is very romantic and relaxing and can be appreciated well by those of you who do not particularly like jazz.

TRACK 2: Wherever you are - From IS WHAT IT IS (1993). Another slow tempo tune. I am not sure but Mike Stern's guitar sounds more like a classical nylon stringed guitar in this track. Well, what can I say...any lovers out there - just hug and kiss while listening to this one. Behave ok!

TRACK 3: Scuffle - From UPSIDE DOWN (1986). I could not help bringing you again another track from the same album. As I said earlier, it is considered Mike Stern's best. The saxaphonist in this piece is the great Bob Berg while the drummer is the world renowned Dave Weckl. You might think that there's no guitar in the first part but if you listen carefully you will notice that the sax and guitar are playing in unison, ie, both playing the same notes at the same time - producing a unique sound. Near the middle of the track then you will be able to hear Mike's electric guitar solo full of expressiveness and emotion.

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Check out this video of Mike Stern in acton:



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