"Stern is one of the true guitar greats of his generation. He has earned the respect of colleagues and critics alike while also exerting a towering influence on a generation of aspiring players," well-known pop-rock song writer Zang told China Daily from his bar "Youxi," which has been a popular venue for many of Beijing's rock and jazz bands since its opening in June, 2001.

One of the first rock musicians in China, Zang joined a pioneering Chinese rock band called "Tumbler" in 1983 and in the following three years he composed "Prayer of My Heart" and "Friend," which gave him his name as an accomplished song writer.

In 1995, Zang released his album "These 10 Years in My Life." It became one of the best selling albums of that year. The next year saw him compose the music and sing the title song for famous director Zhang Yimou's film "You Hua Haohaoshuo (Keep Cool)."

Besides writing, Zang has turned to promoting potential pop stars and the music exchange between China and Western countries.

He has assisted Siqingerile, an Inner Mongolia-born girl who was the original bass player of his band, to become hot pop property recently.

In October, Zang signed a contract with pop-rock band "Beijing Boys" as its producer. Zang discovered the five boys when they were performing at one of his bars two years ago.

"They are sensitive to trendy music and their songs are distinctive from other juvenile pop bands," Zang said.

And now, Zang is introducing Stern to Beijing.

"He is a wonderful guitarist in the true jazz tradition, combining natural lyricism, fluency in diverse musical languages and a seamless burning technique," Zang said. "I hope Beijing's jazz fans will enjoy the real jazz hits."

Stern will be accompanied by a stellar group of fellow musicians - Richie Morales on drums, Lincoln Goines on bass and Bob Franceschini on saxophone.

During Stern's tour of China, Zang will also co-operate with him to write some songs.

A guitarist of formidable technique, Stern, 49, awes and inspires six-string aficionados with his seamless blend of bebop facility, scorching rock intensity and uncommon lyricism.

As Jon Chappell of Guitar magazine put it: "Stern is not only a magician of the fretboard, but a heartfelt and mature composer of great depth."

Stern began playing guitar at the age 12, emulating the likes of B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.

"I liked the feel of the guitar and I got hooked on it," he recalls.

But he did not really get serious until he went to Berklee in 1971.

At the Berklee College of Music in Boston, his focus shifted to jazz as he began an intensive period of wood shedding, immersing himself in records by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner and Bill Evans while studying with guitarists Mick Goodrick and Pat Metheny.

(China Daily January 8, 2003)