‘Magic Touch’ technique
A classically trained pianist before playing guitar, Jordan wanted greater freedom in voicing chords on his guitar, so he applied piano principles to do so. Jordan’s touch technique allows the guitarist to play melody and chords simultaneously with an unprecedented level of independence. It also allows Jordan to play simultaneously on two different guitars, or even on guitar and piano. He says that “I think of it as a single instrument, but one with a wide range of tonal colors—that’s why I do it.”
Re-launching Blue Note
Jordan came to prominence with the release of his 1985 album Magic Touch, a revolutionary project that placed him at the forefront of re-launching legendary Blue Note Records into a contemporary entity in jazz and beyond. Though Jordan showcased the magic touch technique in a variety of musical styles from swing to rock, it was smooth jazz radio support for his singular versions of “The Lady in My Life” (first recorded by Michael Jackson) and the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” that sent Magic Touch to the top of Billboard’s jazz chart for a stunning and record-breaking 51 weeks. The album became a gold-seller (over 500,000 sold in the U.S. alone) – outstanding for any jazz or instrumental CD.
Collaborations
To date Jordan has received 4 grammy nominations, a NAACP Image Award nomination for his latest album ‘Friends’ and performed in over 60 countries on 6 continents. He has performed at many festivals, including the Kool Jazz Festival, the Concord Jazz Festival, and the Montreaux International Jazz Festival. During the 1980s he collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including performances with Art Blakey and Richie Cole and recordings with Stanley Clarke and Kenny Rogers. Today Jordan performs frequently as a soloist and with his band, as well as collaborating with other guitarists such as Kevin Eubanks, Sharon Isbin and Muriel Anderson. He’s also a frequent guest with jam bands such as the Dave Matthews Band, the String Cheese Incident, Phil Lesh, Moe and Umphrey’s McGee.
“Genius is a word often tossed around in musical circles, but it has been rightfully applied to Stanley Jordan.” – Los Angeles Times
Support-act is Masha Bijlsma, a jazz-vocalist who is praised to be one of Europe’s greatest. Her last release, ‘For Love Of Abbey’ -a tribute to American vocalist Abbey Lincoln-, has also been critically acclaimed by the press. Guided by beautiful arrangements made by bassist Henk de Ligt and late pianist Rob van den Broek, she takes the audience through her swinging repetoire.
