Mike Stern is up there in the pantheon of guitar playing. His name evokes rigour and discipline and press photos of him portray a mature, somewhat surly musician who after years of practice is now revered as one of the jazz greats.

His fame extends merely beyond his music and teenage guitarists leafing through Yamaha guitar catalogues would have known his name through his signature model, which is a sort of stamp of approval to one's influence and musical individuality.

It was no surprise, therefore, that a small crowd gathered for a signing session with Mr Stern and his band at Olimpus Music in Msida. But the man himself was something of a surprise.

Calling out "hey guys!" in a rather camp fashion as he walked into the shop, he quickly notices his signature model the shop has put up on display as if he has met a long lost brother and quickly lets the audience know he's got his latest album, Big Neighborhood.

Faced with the recorder for the interview, the guitarist, weary after a sound check, yells "hello mommy" into it before it actually started.

This is the third time Mr Stern played in Malta but this wasn't entirely clear to the musician who's hopping from planes onto stages and back with an alarming frequency.

He said it was "great" to be performing on the island again at the Jazz Festival over the weekend. "I had a great time the last time I came here. I was here years ago with Dave (Weckl, drummer) and Jeff Andrews (bassist) and we had a great time then."

He starts thinking out loud: "This is a treat and I think I've been here since but I think it's the second time," before adding: "Great festival!" As many Maltese musicians can attest, the local climate isn't very kind on instruments for outdoor gigs. Does the guitarist encounter any particular problems when on the seaside stage at Ta' Liesse, where the Jazz Festival is held?

"My guitar is actually warped now. I'm gonna use it as a paddle," the guitarist jokes. He then drifts off about touring: "The travel is a bit of a challenge, to say the least, but the gig makes it worthwhile. It's truly a pleasure to be here."

His pre-gig rituals are simple: "We eat and I go swimming. I like to swim". Even though it's difficult, he does his best to practice his licks while on tour, even though he's "playing with amazing musicians every night".

Touring life can be taxing, however, and when asked if he was leaving at 5 a.m. he pitches in: "Five a.m., that would be nice. We're leaving at 4.15... Sometimes it's really early to get to the next place but it's worth it."

While rock musicians have a broader following, and stars even get underwear thrown at them, here was the guitarist, in a shop, with loads of men looking at him. "And some cute girls," Mr Stern pipes in flirtatiously: "Can you throw your bras," he jokes, adding he was "grateful" to whoever came out to watch him.

And watch him they did. On Thursday, Mr Stern, Dave Weckl, Randy Brecker and Chris Minh Doky belted out a tight set at the Malta Jazz Festival, leaving long-time fans and the musicians themselves elated.

Just like Dionysus in the Greek pantheon, Mr Stern is hardly straight-laced but he sure can give a show.