These are the guitarists who have moved and impacted me in order! This is a rough draft - I will add more guitarists & description in the future:
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Stanley revolutionized how the guitar is played. It is a surreal experience to watch him play. He has both hands on the fretboard kind of like he's playing a piano. It sounds like more than one guitarist playing. And, the depth of emotion and creativity that comes out of his work is just unreal.
One of the most beautiful, moving musical experiences I had was when I was on stage playing with Stanley. It was a few weeks after 9/11 and we were playing at a benefit for the NYPD around 42nd Street. Many from the NYPD were there. Pictures of the ones who died tragically were posted above candles in a special area. God Bless them. There was a huge american flag in back of me (check the photos page)
Stanley looked back at me and said "I'm going to take a solo now". With an amazing sense of feel, space and dynamics, this man played a version of "Oh Holy Night" that could transport any person to calm and bliss. It makes sense when you look at this man's involvement with Music Therapy. It is real... Check out his website at www.StanleyJordan.com - You wont regret it.
One of the most inspiring musical performances I've ever witnessed was when I saw Stanley play "Little Wing" at a theatre in Newark. I can't really put my feeling and reaction into words-- Powerful.... My girlfriend had the same feeling and reaction.
2. STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN
Stevie! Vitality! It's so ironic that a person with so much life in his playing and singing died so young.
His version of "Little Wing" could bring a tear to the eyes of many. The use of dynamics in this is moving and takes you for a ride. His use of 16th note triplets, contrasting legato and staccato notes is huge!
3. WARREN HAYNES
What feel! ... His solo on the Dave Matthew's DVD (Central Park) is emotion-filled!....
4. VERNON REID
A schooled guitarist, this man can jam! ... The "Cult of Personality" solo jumped in our face and screamed at us! Then he can take it down into a calmer funk in "Love Rears It's Ugly Head". I love his playing.
5. EDDIE VAN HALEN
Inspiring. Motivational. Makes you feel like you can run 5 miles when Eddie's playing a solo. He (with VH) is who I listen to when I need to lose weight and my running is on track!
6. STEVIE VAI
You gotto see the movie "Crossroads". And get the album "Passion & Warfare".
7. LYNYRD SKYNYRD GUITARISTS
My brother brainwashed me with 70's music (especially The Grateful Dead - I knew over 100 Dead Songs at age 12, and saw Jerry live in 7th grade! I'll never forget the older Deadheads saying "cool - a little deadhead") But Skynyrd was another one and for this I'm thankful to Jim for that! My brother (a guitarist) had a band that used to play Skynyrd tunes and I thought they were awesome!
Live version of "Freebird" and "I Know A Little" - Need I say more? ...