He worked in local clubs playing rock music, then took jazz lessons from a pianist.
One of his favorite albums since childhood is Getz/Gilberto, released in 1964 by Stan Getz, João Gilberto, and Antônio Carlos Jobim.
[1] For several years, Stein wrote a column for Just Jazz Guitar magazine about arranging and composing.
[2] He has worked with Bill Pierce, John LaPorta, David "Fathead" Newman, Larry Goldings, and Bob Freedman.
He has performed on stage with David "Fathead" Newman, Lou Donaldson, Lonnie Smith, Johnny Vidacovich, and Idris Muhammad.