A Sonic Smorgasbord From Stanley Jordan

Guitarist Stanley Jordan said that he was feeling tired at Blues Alley on Thursday night because he's been working overtime, putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album, "State of Nature." But apparently he suffers from the kind of fatigue that has no effect on his ability to turn in a series of remarkable solo guitar performances.

A little swing, some Mozart and Jobim, a blend of improvised funk, Peruvian folk music and classic pop -- Jordan covered a lot of ground during his opening set. And he did so with customary finesse and more than a few jaw-dropping flourishes. How often does one encounter a guitarist who can effortlessly play melody, harmony and bass lines for an entire chorus with just his left hand while snapping his fingers with his right, or vice versa? Thanks to an alternate guitar tuning and his signature finger-tapping technique, Jordan was able to fashion several pianistic-like arrangements that swiftly distinguished his interpretations of swing anthems and romantic musings. Particularly enjoyable were his fresh takes on "My One and Only Love" and "How Insensitive." Both performances, though intricately devised, allowed the melodies to linger, and the former tune was among those that offered listeners a tantalizing peek at Jordan's next release.

Missing, however, were the warm tones and chordal propulsion produced by jazz guitarists who favor acoustic, arch-top instruments. Jordan sustained an electric, linear and luminous sound right down to the concluding performance of "El Condor Pasa."

The engagement runs through tomorrow.

-- Mike Joyce