Mike Stern
Acoustic Guitar Solo on
Before You Go

About

Mike Stern's acoustic guitar solo is the sole improvisation on this recording of "Before You Go". Set in D at a slow 64 BPM with a ballad feel, without a rhythm section or horns, the full harmonic and melodic depth of Stern's playing is exposed, demonstrating his command of chord voicings, fingerpicking technique, and melodic invention on the acoustic instrument. Stern's acoustic guitar work brings a warm, intimate quality to the improvisation, the instrument's natural resonance adding depth to the melodic lines.

Mike Stern was 33 to 34 years old at the time.