Another great jazz guitarist, composer, and innovator who has never
made it anywhere, anytime, in these Downbeat polls is Mike Stern. I
came to the conclusion some time ago that the people who vote in
these polls are mostly non-musicians, and/or non-guitarists, and have
no idea what distinguishes an outstanding player from a merely
competent one.
OK, everyone has their 'pet' heroes who they think should have wider
recognition, but this particular ommission is incomprehensible. Mike
Stern has recorded for nearly 20 years with a great many of the best
modern and contemporary jazz musicians, both as sideman and leader,
and tours constantly. Of how many players making it in the Downbeat
poll can that be said ?
I suppose if he got himself a blazer, a haircut, stopped using
distortion and other effects, and switched to a Benedetto instead of
a Tele, he might become acceptable to the jazz journalism
establishment.
John Clarke
Basingstoke
England
