Stanley Jordan is a renowned jazz guitarist known for his unique technique called the "Stanley Jordan Magic Touch." Born in Chicago in 1959, Jordan began playing the piano at a young age, but it wasn't until he picked up the guitar at the age of 11 that his musical talent truly blossomed. The Magic Touch technique that Jordan developed revolutionized the way jazz guitar was played. Instead of using a pick or fingers to pluck the strings, he uses a tapping method where both hands tap the fretboard to produce notes. This innovative approach allows him to play complex melodies, harmonies, and chords simultaneously. His hands seemingly dance across the fretboard, effortlessly creating a rich and intricate tapestry of sound.
His hands seemingly dance across the fretboard, effortlessly creating a rich and intricate tapestry of sound. Jordan's magical touch gives him the ability to achieve a level of control and expressiveness that is unparalleled in the world of jazz guitar. The technique allows him to blend different styles and genres seamlessly, incorporating elements of classical music, blues, and rock into his jazz compositions.
Stanley jordam magic touch
STANLEY JORDAN
Magic Touch /
Standards Volume 1 /
Flying Home
BGO Records BGOCD 1070
CD1
Magic Touch
1. Eleanor Rigby
2. Freddie Freeloader
3. 'Round Midnight
4. All The Children
5. The Lady In My Life
6. Angel
7. Fundance
8. Return Expedition
9. A Child Is Born
Stanley Jordan - Guitar
Wayne Brathwaite - Electric Bass (track 5)
Peter Erskine - Drums (track 2)
Sammy Figueroa - Percussion (tracks 1, 8)
Onoje Allan Gumbs - Keyboards (track 5)
Omar Hakim - Drums (track 5)
Charnett Moffett - Acoustic Bass (tracks 2, 8)
Bugsy Moore - Percussion (track 8)
AI Di Meola - Cymbals (track 8)
Standards Volume 1
10. The Sound 0f Silence
11. Sunny
12. Georgia On My Mind
13. Send One Your Love
14. Moon River
CD2
I. Guitar Man
2. One Less Bell To Answer
3. Because
4. My Favorite Things
5. Silent Night
Stanley Jordan - Guitar
Flying Home
6. Street Talk
7. Tropical Storm
8. When Julia Smiles
9. Can't Sit Down
10. Stairway To Heaven
11. Brooklyn At Midnight
12. The Music's Gonna Change
13. The Time Is Now
14. Flying Home
Collective personnel
Stanley Jordan - Guitars, digital programming, additional keyboards, bass
Preston Glass - Keyboards, drum programming, bass
Noel Klosson, David "Pic" Conley - Keyboards, drum programming
Larry Graham - Drum programming, bass, keyboards
Joshua Thompson, Arthur McAllister - Keyboards
Anthony Jackson - Bass
Steve Reid - Percussion
Codaryl "Cody" Moffett - Percussion, drums
I well remember the sensation that Stanley Jordan caused when he burst on the scene in the 1980s. He had invented a method of playing the guitar which enabled him to play notes with both hands at the same time. It was called a hammer-on effect because it involved hammering or tapping a string against the fretboard. This allowed him to play chords and bass lines at the same time as the melody. He was signed by Blue Note Records and Magic Touch (1985) was his first album with that company. It was followed in close succession by Standards Volume 1 (1986) and Flying Home (1988).
From the very first track, one can understand the excitement that Jordan aroused. His version of Eleanor Rigby keeps several strands of melody and accompaniment moving at the same time. Freddie Freeloader is a calmer piece of swing, illustrating his allegiance to jazz. Stanley's high notes remind me of Les Paul's similar style, although much of Les's work was created by double-tracking, whereas Jordan is playing every line simultaneously.
Stanley's versatilty is shown by the wide range of material he plays on Magic Touch, including the jazz-rock of Rod Temperton's The Lady In My Life; Jimmy Hendrix's Angel (a tribute to one of Jordan's influences); and three tunes (tracks 4, 7 and 8) that Stanley composed.
In several tracks on Magic Touch, Stanley is assisted by other musicians, but Standards Volume 1 consists entirely of Jordan playing solo. This is virtuosity of the highest standard. Take, for example, Stevie Wonder's Send One Your Love, where Stanley creates his own counterpoint, weaving together different lines which he decorates with dextrous runs and chords.
Flying Home, the last of these three albums, holds a clue as to why Jordan's profile dropped from public awareness almost as quickly as it had burst into life. He quite quickly became disenchanted with the demands of the studio bosses, who seemed determined to turn him from a jazz virtuoso into a mass-market guitarist (although the sleeve-notes suggest that Stanley agreed with this change of emphasis). The guitarist was surrounded with heavy jazz-funk beats, leaving him little room to display his originality. Instead he sounds like just another guitarist, playing single lines above unsubtle accompaniments. Stanley's unique qualities were submerged by the desire to transfer him to the musical mainstream. He is only allowed to display his unique sound on two tracks (Stairway to Heaven and Flying Home). Small wonder that he soon relinquished recordings, preferring to train in music therapy and then teaching as a music therapist.
It is good to have these three albums (especially the first two) collected together on this double CD. The originals have been skilfully remastered to obtain a bright, clear sound. Although in later years Stanley seemed to have vanished from making recordings, he reappeared with a new album which I reviewed here in 2008. But Stanley Jordan's career is an object-lesson in the dangers posed by trying to go "commercial".
Tony Augarde
www.augardebooks.co.uk
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CD1
Magic Touch
1. Eleanor Rigby
2. Freddie Freeloader
3. 'Round Midnight
4. All The Children
5. The Lady In My Life
6. Angel
7. Fundance
8. Return Expedition
9. A Child Is Born
His playing is characterized by its fluidity, precision, and incredible speed. Throughout his career, Jordan has released numerous albums and collaborated with some of the greatest names in jazz music. He has toured the world, mesmerizing audiences with his extraordinary talent and leaving a lasting impression wherever he performs. Aside from being a virtuosic guitarist, Jordan is also known for his warm and engaging stage presence. He has a knack for connecting with his audience, making them feel as if they are a part of the musical experience. His deep passion for music is palpable, and it is this passion that permeates every note he plays. Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz guitar. His innovative technique, combined with his expressive playing style, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with the instrument. He continues to inspire and influence guitarists around the world, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the true masters of his craft..
Reviews for "Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch: A Blueprint for Expressive Guitar Playing"
- John Smith - 1 star - I was really disappointed with Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch. I had heard so many great things about him, but his performance fell flat for me. His guitar playing was technically impressive, but it lacked any emotion or soul. It felt like he was just going through the motions, playing random notes without any intention. I found myself losing interest halfway through the show and couldn't wait for it to end. Overall, a major letdown.
- Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. While his guitar skills were undeniably impressive, the overall performance felt monotonous and repetitive. He seemed to rely heavily on technicality rather than connecting with the audience on a deeper level. The lack of variation and emotion made the show feel more like a practice session rather than an engaging concert. I left the venue feeling underwhelmed, wishing for more depth and passion in his music.
- Michael Thompson - 1 star - Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch left me feeling completely bored and uninterested. I appreciate his skill as a guitarist, but his performance lacked any sort of creativity or originality. It felt like I was listening to the same uninspired guitar riffs over and over again. The lack of variety and innovation made for a stale and uneventful show. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging musical experience.
- Emily Davis - 2 stars - Stanley Jordan's Magic Touch didn't quite hit the mark for me. While his guitar playing was undeniably technically proficient, it lacked any sort of emotional connection. I found myself unimpressed and disconnected from his performance. The songs all started to blend together, and I felt like I was hearing the same thing over and over again. I was expecting more depth and meaning in his music, but unfortunately, it fell flat. Overall, I left the show feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.