World-renowned guitarist Stanley Jordan is all set to grace the stage at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley in Seattle on August 15 and 16 with his one-of-a-kind live show, Stanley Plays Jimi. This tribute show is not your typical imitation; instead, Stanley skillfully builds on Jimi Hendrix’s iconic legacy in a creative and imaginative way, paying homage to the legendary guitarist with a special connection to Seattle.
Jimi Hendrix, the groundbreaking guitarist and rock icon, was born in Seattle and spent his formative years in the city. Although his music career did not fully take off during his time in Seattle, it was here that Jimi’s passion for the guitar began. The city played an essential role in shaping his musical foundation.
For those unfamiliar with Stanley Jordan, let’s take a moment to learn about this visionary musician. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Stanley’s musical journey began at a young age when he started studying the piano at six and later shifted his focus to the guitar at eleven. Armed with a classical piano background, he applied piano principles to the guitar to gain greater freedom in voicing chords, eventually developing his groundbreaking “touch technique” – an advanced form of two-handed tapping. This revolutionary approach to the guitar’s fretboard allowed Stanley to play melody and chords simultaneously with remarkable independence, earning him widespread acclaim.
With an impressive career spanning decades, Stanley Jordan has released numerous albums, collaborated with various artists, and received four Grammy nominations. Beyond his music, he is deeply involved in music therapy and continues to make a meaningful impact through his outreach efforts.
Now back to the Stanley Plays Jimi project. You might wonder why Stanley Jordan, already a well-established guitarist with an impressive resume, would take on such a project. But the answer lies in his deep connection to Jimi Hendrix’s music and the influence Jimi had on Stanley’s own musical journey. As a child, Stanley emulated Jimi and saw him as an early musical inspiration. “Out of love for Jimi and his music, I feel a strong desire to try to keep his legacy alive,” Stanley explains.
The collaboration between a jazz legend like Stanley Jordan and a rock legend like Jimi Hendrix might seem surprising at first. Still, Stanley sheds light on his musical journey, revealing that he started with rock and blues before moving towards jazz, partly influenced by Jimi’s constant exploration of new sounds.
Stanley Plays Jimi brings a theatrical element to the stage, with Stanley portraying Jimi Hendrix himself. However, it’s important to note that this is not a comedic caricature or a theatrical play; it is a heartfelt and authentic concert experience. Stanley’s portrayal of the Hendrix of today keeps the show fresh and creative for both him and the audience while offering a new perspective into Stanley’s own evolution as an artist.
The challenge of this project is not lost on Stanley. He seeks to cover as much of Jimi’s work as possible while building upon it, channeling his creativity to imagine what Jimi might have done if he were still with us today. The goal is to recreate the energy and creativity of a real Jimi Hendrix concert, complete with surprises and unexpected turns.
One of the ways Stanley Jordan expands on Jimi’s legacy is by incorporating jazz elements that Jimi was exploring towards the end of his life. By jamming with jazz luminaries like Rasaan Roland Kirk and Larry Young and working on compositions with a jazzy shuffle, Jimi showed an inclination towards jazz that Stanley aims to expand upon in his tribute.
Stanley’s signature touch technique, an advanced form of two-handed tapping, also plays a significant role in this project. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix himself, Stanley perfected this technique, making him one of the best tappers in the world. He infuses the touch technique with the use of feedback and effects, just like Jimi, staying true to Hendrix’s spirit.
As part of the setlist, Stanley includes original compositions that could have been written by Jimi today, adding a touch of fantasy to the show and showcasing the new concepts Jimi might have explored in contemporary times.
Joining Stanley on stage are Dean Schmidt (bass) and Matt Jorgensen (drums).
For fans who cherish Jimi Hendrix’s style, Stanley stays faithful to the legendary guitarist’s traditional look and style, ensuring that the character he portrays is believable and respectful of Jimi’s memory.
With his Stanley Plays Jimi project, Stanley Jordan not only pays tribute to Jimi Hendrix’s iconic legacy but also provides a fresh and exciting musical experience that blends the worlds of rock and jazz. So mark your calendars for August 15 and 16 and head to Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley for a memorable and one-of-a-kind performance that celebrates the legendary Jimi Hendrix and his special connection to the city where his musical journey began!
For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley website.
