Jazzville, NJ

True Guitar Hero, Stanley Jordan, Headlines Fundraiser at Skipper’s

Posted by Maria Miaoulis in Dakota MacLeod, Denise Hamilton, Gordon Lane, James Gibbs III, Jazz Events, Ray Naccari, Recaps & Reviews, Renato Thoms, Santi Debriano, Skippers, Newark, NJ

November 16th, 2009   No Comments »

It was an emotional night at Skipper’s this past Sunday during the 3rd Annual Fundraising Event for the Nigerian Mercy Medical Mission. The community of Newark came together alongside many notable artists and musicians to raise awareness and support for the village’s understaffed and inadequate hospital and orphanage.

The band was comprised of such prominent instrumentalists as Santi Debriano, James Gibbs III, Ray Naccari, Gordon Lane and Renato Thoms. But the headliner of the event was esteemed guitarist Stanley Jordan who undeniably brought the house down with his progressive instrumental sounds. It is no wonder he is dubbed a musical original what with his unique touch/ tap playing technique which made it seem as if he was playing two guitars at once.

Jordan began the evening with an acoustic version of the Marvin Gaye classic “What’s Going On?” further reminding us why we had gathered for the event. The very plucking of his strings extracted greater emotion from every note keeping the audience transfixed to the performance. The effect was such that it made you forget your own troubles while becoming lulled into a peaceful reverie. The band did provide accompaniment but for the most part held back allowing Jordan to have the limelight. When he finished his first solo of the night he grinned at the erupting applause and humbly backed away to make room for the coming vocalists.

First to take the stage was Dakota MacLeod who opened with a soulful female version of The Temptations song “My Girl” (in this case “My Guy”) followed by a jazz-inspired version of Judy Garland’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and the Billie Holiday original “God Bless The Child.” She exercised great control of her deep voice, which at times resembled thick, rich molasses being poured, if there was such a sound. This powerhouse expertly alternated between very soft and high notes, sending shivers down everyone’s spines.

In stark contrast to MacLeod was singer Denise Hamilton who had a rather timid, though sultry voice. Her renditions of “Sunny” and “My Funny Valentine” oozed with a sweet desire which resonated well with the crowd. Her series of scats and runs especially with her opening number had everyone swaying in their seats, wishing there was enough room to start dancing with all the energy she brought to the venue.

The highlight of the evening was Stanley Jordan’s solo set where he performed popular tunes including the Beatles’ hit “Eleanor Rigby,” John Lennon’s “Imagine” and the Christmas standard “Oh Holy Night.” Jordan played with a fierce intensity and power that literally kept audience members on the edge of their seats. He appeared to throw himself into his guitar as if that was the only way he could make his listeners understand the song’s message. When he finally looked up from his instrument in the end, the crowd rose to its feet showing appreciation for the intricate playing whilst demanding an encore.

Overall the event achieved its purpose of shining light on a dire situation while treating those in attendance to a show unlike any they’ve probably experienced before. Those lucky enough to have witnessed this performance will never look at a guitar the same way again.