Jazzwise Gig Guide

While his reputation was built on a brief spell with Miles, and a dodgy booze and drug soaked period with Jaco Pastorius, guitarist Stern's unflinching sobriety now sees him downing espressos, not vodka, before his gigs; while he's forged a loyal fan base through dogged consistency. A master of shimmering jazz flights of fancy, intense post-bop flurries and blistering blues over funk and world grooves, Stern's palette is solid and his energy undimmed, as is his output, his yearly visits to London often book-ending a new album release. This year's project will feature Janek Gwizdala, Richard Bona, Roy Hargrove, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl and Don Alias but it's his touring band here of bassist Chris Min Doky, saxophonist Bob Franscescini and drummer Kim Thompson that should give a visceral sample of where Stern is at creatively.