Mike Stern - Jimi Hendrix and Beyond
Few guitarists have forged a more distinctive voice than Mike Stern. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Stern has become one of the most celebrated and influential guitarists in contemporary music, blending jazz, rock, blues, and fusion into a sound that is instantly recognizable as his own.
After launching his career with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Stern joined Miles Davis' groundbreaking electric bands of the early 1980s before embarking on a remarkable solo career that has earned multiple Grammy nominations and established him as one of the defining guitarists of modern jazz.
While countless guitarists have been influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Mike Stern occupies a unique place in that lineage. Rather than merely drawing inspiration from Hendrix's innovations, Stern has arguably been one of the very few guitarists to take elements of Hendrix's musical language and develop them into something entirely his own - expanding the vocabulary, introducing new harmonic and rhythmic dimensions, and carrying the spirit of exploration into new musical territories.
In Jimi Hendrix and Beyond, Stern is joined by an exceptional ensemble featuring Leni Stern, Felix Pastorius, Gábor Bolla, and Jacob Hatholt. Together they explore the music, influences, and creative spirit that have shaped Stern's artistic journey.
The program's primary focus is Stern's own rich musical world: powerful original compositions, audience favourites from across his extensive catalogue, and music that reflects the many traditions that have influenced his playing—from blues and rock to jazz and fusion. Along the way, the band will also present fresh reinterpretations of a selection of Hendrix classics, viewed through Stern's distinctive musical lens and reimagined with the freedom, sophistication, and adventurous spirit that characterize his music.
Known for his extraordinary improvisational freedom, soaring melodies, and unmistakable tone, Stern approaches every performance as a living, evolving musical conversation. No two evenings are ever quite the same.
Expect an evening of world-class musicianship, electrifying interplay, blues-infused grooves, and adventurous improvisation from a band led by one of the most distinctive guitar voices of our time.
More than a tribute, Jimi Hendrix and Beyond is a celebration of musical exploration itself - seen through the eyes, ears, and imagination of Mike Stern.
Artist highlights
Mike Stern
A Grammy-nominated guitar icon and former Miles Davis sideman, Mike Stern is renowned for his electrifying fusion of jazz, rock, and blues, creating one of the most distinctive and influential guitar voices of our time.
Gabor Bolla
Originally from Budapest, Hungary, Gabor Bolla is one of the most significant rising stars of the tenor saxophone. Combining a wide range of traditional as well as progressive influences, he has previously shared stages with jazz luminaries such as Randy Brecker, Gary Peacock, Mike Stern and Mino Cinelu.
Leni Stern
An acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, and composer, Leni Stern blends jazz, world music, and West African influences into a uniquely expressive sound, celebrated for its creativity and adventurous spirit.
Felix Pastorius
Following in the footsteps of his late father, Jaco Pastorius, Felix has carved his own identity as a six-string fretted bass virtuoso, and continues to push the boundaries of jazz bass playing.
Jacob Hatholt
Known for his versatility and virtuosity, dynamic drummer Jacob Hatholt brings energy and precision to every performance, delivering the perfect rhythmic foundation across any musical context he chooses to join.
Album Schedule
Mike Stern
– A Guitar Voice Unlike Any Other
Mike Stern is one of the most celebrated guitarists in contemporary music, renowned for his distinctive fusion of jazz, rock, blues, and improvisational freedom. After launching his professional career with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Stern joined Miles Davis’ groundbreaking electric bands in the early 1980s, contributing to a pivotal chapter in modern jazz history. His work with Davis helped establish Stern as one of the defining guitar voices of his generation.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Stern has released a series of acclaimed albums as a bandleader, earning multiple Grammy nominations and widespread recognition for his unmistakable tone, soaring melodies, and adventurous approach to improvisation. Beyond his celebrated solo work, he has collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists, including Jaco Pastorius, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Béla Fleck, and Billy Cobham.
Widely regarded as one of the few guitarists to meaningfully expand upon the musical language pioneered by Jimi Hendrix, Stern has developed a sound entirely his own - combining technical brilliance, emotional depth, and a relentless spirit of exploration. Today, he continues to inspire audiences and musicians worldwide through performances that are spontaneous and unmistakably Mike Stern.
Artist highlights
Mike Stern
A Grammy-nominated guitar icon and former Miles Davis sideman, Mike Stern is renowned for his electrifying fusion of jazz, rock, and blues, creating one of the most distinctive and influential guitar voices of our time.
Gabor Bolla
Originally from Budapest, Hungary, Gabor Bolla is one of the most significant rising stars of the tenor saxophone. Combining a wide range of traditional as well as progressive influences, he has previously shared stages with jazz luminaries such as Randy Brecker, Gary Peacock, Mike Stern and Mino Cinelu.
Leni Stern
An acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, and composer, Leni Stern blends jazz, world music, and West African influences into a uniquely expressive sound, celebrated for its creativity and adventurous spirit.
Felix Pastorius
Following in the footsteps of his late father, Jaco Pastorius, Felix has carved his own identity as a six-string fretted bass virtuoso, and continues to push the boundaries of jazz bass playing.
Jacob Hatholt
Known for his versatility and virtuosity, dynamic drummer Jacob Hatholt brings energy and precision to every performance, delivering the perfect rhythmic foundation across any musical context he chooses to join.