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The Best of Jordan

Russell Diederich | Littleton, CO United States | 02/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stanley Jordan is one of the most unique guitarist out there. His two-handed tap technique is the secret behind his playing. This allows him to play rhythm and melody at the same time, something that requires two guitarists in most bands. He plays this difficult technique with a soothing ease. Eleven jazz flavored tracks fill this album, a sampling of his other albums, and you won't skip over a single one of them. Only four of the songs are penned by Jordan himself, but that does not mean they're not his. He turns each song into something of his own when he plays them. His covers of "Stairway to Heaven" and "Eleanor Rigby" are full of new life as he gives them a new flare full of jazz riffs and his elegant sound. He also tackles John Coltrane's "Impressions" adding his own improvisational feeling to a classic. With the wonderful rendition of "The Lady In My Life", a hectic version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things" and "Georgia On My Mind" you can't go wrong with this album. Even Jordan's "Flying Home" and "Still Got the Blues" are masterpieces in their own right. If you don't own any of Jordan's albums, this is a great place to start. It provides a sampling from "Magic Touch", "Cornucopia", "Standards", "Flying Home" as well as two others. This is a great introduction to Jordan. My only complaint is the lack of previously unreleased tracks that are becoming standard on greatest hits albums. If you love guitar and jazz, then this is a definite buy for you. You won't be disappointed."

Technique and style all the way

Jeffrey Beck | Kansas City | 01/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Best of Stanley Jordan" combines a technique mastered only by Jordan, with a style all his own. This is a must for both blues and jazz lovers. Jordan's two hand technique is almost impossible to comprehend for guitarists who understand the difficulty involved. An upbeat jazz tempo compliments the more mellow blues riffs. A great CD to relax to! Both thumbs up!"

Sensational Stanley!!!!

Mr. Music Critic | Georgia | 04/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Stanley Jordan is a sensational guitar player who has mastered the style of "tapping". It would be hard to choose a best of compilation for him, but I suppose they did a good job on choosing these selections. The opening track Jumpin" Jack, was recorded live in NYC. Most of his songs sound as if he is playing live even when he is in the studio. The next song is a remake of the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby...WOW!!! My personal favorite is The Lady In My Life. This is a super song that was produced by another excellent guitar player Al Di Meola. As I glance over the liner notes I see that he actually produced the CD Magic Touch in which three of the songs on this come from. All The Children, is a slower, almost sad sounding song. This is an original from Stanley. Out of eleven tracks on this CD only four are originals. That is why I rated this CD only four stars. His remakes are better than the original recordings that he has on this compilation. Impressions... is a John Coltrane song that is well-done it also was recorded live in NYC. The old Rodgers and Hammerstein song, My Favorite Things is played a bit fast, but is certainly an interesting arrangement. Georgia On My Mind... is nicely done and represents one of the better songs on this CD. Next up is a delightful rendition of the Led Zeppelin song Stairway To Heaven. Flying Home is a Jordan original is a slower, beautiful song. It's probably my favorite of all the originals that he has on this album. Still Got The Blues...the title says it all!! Once againit was recorded live in NYC. This is definitely a jammin' blues song! It could have been just a little longer. Perhaps, it was edited?? The final track is Over The Rainbow. It was recorded live too. This time it was in Tokyo. I love this song...no matter who does it!!! For new fans to Stanley Jordan...this CD would be a good starting place. Buy it and you'll see why I call him Sensational Stanley!!!!"