Rock the Taskbar
Stanley Jordan
I was just a lad when I saw Stanley Jordan play a solo show at the Bottom Line in NYC... and was lucky enough to sit front and center, literally at his feet, and could really watch his fretwork. I was totally transfixed by his technique, his tone, and his punctuality... (just seeing if you're paying attention... ;)
Hang in there, and you will hear the familiar melody of Eleanor Rigby. Stick around a little longer to watch him extend it, and improv off of it. The man is a master.
"Steppin Out" from State of Nature was nominated for a Grammy this year for best pop instrumental - however, the honor went to the Eagles, for "I Dreamed There Was No War."
In addition to continuing to record and tour the world, Stanley is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Musical Therapy. Here, in his own words, is why he decided to pursue this most noble cause: The concept of “entertainment” falls far short of the real potential of music. Even the idea of “music as art” has its limits. When I think back to some of my most profound experiences, such as hearing for the first time the music of Serge Prokofiev, Jimi Hendrix or John McLaughlin, I know I was changed irreversibly. Good music touches us in depths we didn't even know we had. In this way it is tied to our growth and evolution, both emotionally and spiritually.
I've always wanted to do more than just making albums and playing gigs. I wanted a higher calling, higher than “commercial” or “artistic” success. What does all that really mean, after all? But if you can touch someone, really help their life, now that would be something special.
Comment
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Comment by vannatta on March 6, 2009 at 9:47am - RGM - it is supposed to inspire you to blaze with your own chops on your own instrument... ;)
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Comment by RGM on March 5, 2009 at 4:02pm - That's sick! Makes me want to burn my instruments lol!
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Comment by vannatta on February 13, 2009 at 2:01am
- I know you're paying attention bro... :) The frets on the face was way cool... he's a huge Jimi fan, and always will be. Glad you dug it.
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Comment by Dean on February 12, 2009 at 8:30pm - I recall hearing a bunch of his music back in the day and it was always hard to imagine that it was just one guy and one guitar, which is what he is famous for. It's great to see the video and actually watch him do it. It's a nice touch near the end when he hits the frets with his face.
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Comment by Dean on February 12, 2009 at 8:22pm
- Thanks for the Spinal Tap referrence. See, we're paying attention.
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