Varre Vartiainen Head & Heart

Collaborative album by former Leningrad Cowboys guitarist Varre Vartiainen and jazz guitar legend Mike Stern.

Eclipse Music will release the collaborative album Head & Heart by Varre Vartiainen and jazz guitar legend Mike Stern. The album's music leans heavily into the golden era of 1970s fusion jazz and is composed almost entirely by Vartiainen. However, Stern also brings a strong artistic voice to the project, contributing to a rich and cohesive whole. Expect brilliant guitar work!

Head & Heart follows Vartiainen's critically acclaimed 2022 solo release Almost Standards.

Mike Stern (b. 1953) needs little introduction among jazz fans. Named by DownBeat magazine as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time, this six-string virtuoso has had a legendary career performing with Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, and Blood, Sweat & Tears. His impressive resume also includes collaborations with the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, and David Sanborn--not to mention his extensive solo catalog. Stern has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, won the Orville W. Gibson Award in 1997, and was voted "Guitarist of the Year" by Guitar Player magazine in 1993.

Varre Vartiainen plays jazz guitar with a rock attitude and is considered one of Finland's most accomplished guitarists. In 2000, he founded the group Husband with the legendary rhythm section of Anssi Nykänen and Harri Rantanen, joined on second guitar by Marzi Nyman. The band has toured actively for over 20 years and released four albums.

Vartiainen has also performed with numerous international stars, including Angélique Kidjo, Thomas Ledin, Ed Motta, and Jim Beard, and played in prestigious ensembles such as the Espoo Big Band, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Dallapé, Nylon Beat, and Leningrad Cowboys. Currently completing his doctorate at the Sibelius Academy, Vartiainen is also widely known from television, having served as bandleader and guitarist for shows like The David Hasselhoff Show, Idols, and the Plan Gala.

Track Listing

Miked Up! Bill From Sao Paolo Head and Heart Dark Size Life Waltz for Roni Hardly For Mike