Stanley Jordan - Live In New York (1998) [Blue Note]

Review by Ryan Randall Goble
This concert was originally intended to be a video release showcasing Stanley Jordan in acoustic, electric and solo settings. His tight rhythm section – including Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums, Kenny Kirkland on piano and Charnett Moffett on bass – drives his complex and moving guitar playing through the standout acoustic tracks "Impressions" and "Cousin Mary," both by John Coltrane. But concert highlights are Jordan's two solo pieces, the bluesy "Willow Weep for Me" and classic show tune "Over the Rainbow," where he performs with an exhilarating freedom and virtuosity. Jordan resists the temptation to slip into the then-ubiquitous smooth jazz sound, making this a timeless release.

Tracks
1 Impressions Coltrane 7:30
2 Autumn Leaves Kosma, Mercer, Prevert 7:44
3 For You Moffett 5:17
4 Cousin Mary Coltrane 5:34
5 Flying Home Jordan 5:02
6 Willow Weep for Me Ronell 4:27
7 Over the Rainbow Arlen, Harburg 5:00
8 Still Got the Blues Jordan 4:58
9 The Lady in My Life Temperton 7:00