Guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan brought his Stanley Plays The Dead show to the intimate audience at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls on Friday, July 31.

Jordan, who came to prominence in the mid 1980’s as primarily a jazz guitarist has proven over the years that he cannot be categorized so simply. Starting out as a classically trained pianist, Stanly switched to guitar but wanted greater freedom in voicing chords, much like he mastered on piano. He has adopted – and become a master of – the “touch technique” of playing guitar. This two-handed tapping allows Stanley to play both chords and melody simultaneously. As was impressively demonstrated by the master, it also allows him to play two separate guitars simultaneously.

This unique talent along with Jordan’s love of a variety of musical genres; jazz, classical, rock, World music and Americana and a stint playing with Phil Lesh, the late bassist for the Grateful Dead, brought him to put together his “Stanley Plays the Dead” Band.

In a tribute to his friend Phil Lesh, Stanly performed a solo version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, a song that Lesh was know to perform often with his Phil Lesh and Friends ensembles.

Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum recording artist Kenwood Dennard takes up residence on the drum riser. But, don’t be fooled, he doesn’t limit himself to just the drums. Kenwood is also a multi-instrumentalist; at time playing keyboards and drums simultaneously. He also started off the second set by taking center stage to begin the Dead’s “Drums” with some guttural/deep baritone/throat singing segueing into use of a jaw harp.

Fitting right into the music of the Dead, Bassist Greg Koerner has spent a lifetime bring their music to the masses. In addition to touring with Jordan, he’s played with Dark Star Orchestra, Unlimited Devotion and countless other Dead tribute bands.

One more multi-instrumentalist in the band is Jesse Hiatt; keyboardist, second guitarist and second drummer. In addition to his longtime experience playing Grateful Dead music, he brings influences of West-African, Brazilian, and classic New Orleans funk and R&B.

Those who know Stanley may note that he played this show on what was his 67^th birthday. If the soft-spoken artist was hoping this little fact would fly under the radar, those hopes were quickly dashed when audience members shouted out their Happy Birthday wishes the instant he walked onstage. During the second set, Strand Theatre staff brought out a cake, complete with candles while the band and audience members broke into a chorus of Happy Birthday. He then joked stating, “I feel like I’m six years old.”

On a personal note, I have been listening to Stanly play since the release of his 1985 debut album Magic Touch which sat on top of the Billboard Jazz chart for 51 weeks. However, this was the very first time I have seen him play live. I was in awe of his sheer talent and humble demeanor. I strongly suggest getting out to see him play at some of his future shows in New York State. He’ll be playing at The Arrowhead Ranch and Retreat in Arrowhead, NY on Aug. 15; The Iridium in NYC on Sept. 11 and 12 and Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, NY on Oct. 28.

Happy Birthday Stanley – here’s to many happy returns of the day!