Biography

Eclipse Music released the collaborative album Head & Heart by Varre Vartiainen and guitar legend Mike Stern on April 25th, 2025.

Head & Heart follows Varre Vartiainen’s critically acclaimed 2022 solo release Almost Standards. The album’s music leans heavily into the golden era of 1970s fusion jazz and is composed almost entirely by Vartiainen. However, Mike Stern also brings a strong artistic voice to the project, contributing to a rich and cohesive whole. Expect brilliant guitar work from both lead soloists throughout.

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. His theatrical work includes the critically acclaimed rock musical Hamlet, which premiered at Tampere Workers’ Theatre in 2020 and was co-composed with Eeva Kontu and Jarmo Saari.

Tracklist

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