For those not in the know, Eclipse Music will release the collaborative album Head & Heart by Varre Vartiainen and jazz guitar legend Mike Stern on June 2nd, 2025 via Eclipse Music.

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.

1. Miked Up!
2. Hardly
3. Head and Heart
4. Dark Size Life
5. Waltz for Roni
6. Blue Velvet St.
7. For Mike
8. Fat Time Blues
9. Mood Swings
10. Bill From Sao Paolo

This collaborative album by the former Leningrad Cowboys guitarist and the two Stern Jazz guitar legends, opens on the buoyancy of Miked Up! and the rhythmically melodic timing of Hardly and then we get delivered the free flowing Head and Heart, the frenetically-charged Dark Size Life and the veritably translucent Waltz for Roni.

Along next on this dutiful homage to 1970s fusion is the formidable Blue Velvet St. and the languishing beauty of For Mike which are in turn backed seamlessly by the playfully scurrying Fat Time Blues, the cultured Mood Swings, the set coming to a close on an impassioned magnificence that thrives within Bill From Sao Paolo.

Musicians:
Varre Vartiainen: Guitar & Vocals
Mike Stern: Guitar & Vocals
Leni Stern: Ngoni, Vocals & (23rd St. Angel Choir)
Joonatan Rautio: Saxophone
Severi Pyysalo: Vibraphone
Visa Oscar: Keyboard
Timo Hirvonen & Juho Kivivuori: Bass
Jukkis Uotila & Jussi Lehtonen: Drums
Mongo Altonen: Percussion

Official Purchase Link

Official Varre Vartiainen Website

Varre Vartiainen @ Spotify