November 4 at 7 p.m.
Scullers Jazz Club, Boston
The guitarist John Stein spent part of the pandemic incapacitated by a rare autoimmune disease but somehow managed to put together a 26-track double CD retrospective of his distinguished career. Spanning more than two decades and 15 CDs as a leader, Life Line shows his mastery of mainstream swing, Brazilian samba and bossa, tango, and funk, with an uncommon touch, ear for harmony, and detailed fingerwork. Now recovered, Stein comes to Scullers with pianist Jesse Taitt, bass guitarist Ed Lucie, and drummer Mike Connors, with special featured guest Cindy Scott on vocals and flute.

On Nov. 4, Stein will celebrate the release of “Lifeline” with bassist Lucie, pianist Jesse Taitt, drummer Mike Connors, and special guest Cindy Scott on flute and vocals, at Scullers Jazz Club. When I talked to Stein at his home in Jamaica Plain, he sounded eager to play again. After all he’s been through, it should be as easy as breathing.