Recorded at the Manhattan Center in 1989, this material for the most part features the remarkable guitarist in an ensemble context, rather than a solo setting that would best display the two-hand tapping that first caught the jazz world’s attention in the early ’80s.
Backed by pianists Kenny Kirkland and Bernard Wright, bassists Charnett Moffett and Yossi Fine, and drummers Jeff Watts and J.T. Lewis, Jordan utilizes his unique approach only at select times (“Flying Home,” “Willow Weep for Me,” “Over the Rainbow”). On the remaining numbers, he usually resorts to playing the guitar in the conventional manner. Even so, he swings mightily, fluently shaping long graceful lines with the best of them. Cases in point include a burning rendition of “Impressions,” a soulful “Still Got the Blues,” and the pop-oriented “The Lady in My Life.” It all proves that Jordan is a formidable player, regardless of the technique he happens to be using.
Stanley Jordan: Live in New York
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