Let’s hear it for John Stowell

[Rob MacKillop]

Every time I listen to John Stowell I’m reminded of a what a great and unique talent he is. Despite his claim that he only plays four scales - Major, Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Harmonic Major - he weaves complex solos of a highly melodic character which bubble away through different registers, each fascinating in itself. He has never reached the financial-reward bracket of a Metheney or a Scofield, but he is their equal in many regards. One would spot him immediately in any blindfold test, so unique is his voice. So, let’s hear it for Mr John Stowell…

[marcwhy]

Yes, John always deserves more attention/recognition! Helluva player, teacher, and nice guy!

He has another recent "Scenes" release on Origin -- check it out!

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks for the link. I love to hear him accompany a sax. You can tell he's really listening.

[ccroft]

Fantastic player, a unique voice, and true gentleman. The interview was great. Thanks Rob!

I was living in Portland Or when he was there playing with Dave Friesen mid-70's. Never had the opportunity to hear him, but I heard about him a lot. I went different directions with my playing, and now I really appreciate and admire his stick-to-it-iveness. He's incredibly durable and dedicated to jazz. When I think of him, sometimes I wish I hadn't been so flightly :-)

I really enjoy hearing him with others. I was looking for something I found a few years ago with these two playing something a bit more 'modern', but what I found was this bit of fun:

[Peter C]

I personally didn't use to have ears for John, but he's now one of the people I listen to most. His masterful use of sinuous lines, stabs and space knock me out every time. This performance was the first time I really "heard" him, notwithstanding the drummer's efforts to sabotage the whole thing

[Rob MacKillop]

I’ve been listening to his solo album, Solitary Tales, for many years. Introspective in an inquisitive and beautiful way.

[GuyBoden]

I went to a John Stowell workshop in Wales in the late 1990's. His playing/music was sublime, with an extraordinary technique.

I bought a Hofner John Stowell model guitar a few years later and then many years later adopted a similar neck upright playing position.

He may "only plays four scales - Major, Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Harmonic Major", because he doesn't seem think in modes of a scale.

But, for example, he will play a C melodic minor scale over a EbMaj7#5 chord. Same result as thinking in modes, but a different approach, so less scales to think about.

[Rob MacKillop]

Let's see. Well, EbMaj7#5 = Eb G Bnat D - notes found in C harmonic minor and C melodic minor, so that makes sense. So does playing Eb major scale while sharpening the 5th. I guess it doesn't matter which approach you take. But, as when playing C major scale over a ii/V/I in C, it works better when you are aware of the chords and adjust target notes accordingly.

I'll try his Truefire lessons...

[TheGrandWazoo]

He plays in a duo with my teacher a couple times a year up here in Vermont. His mastery is so inspiring. He always answers his emails and is just a such a genuinely nice person to talk with.

[Rob MacKillop]

That's the impression I get. Nice guy.

[kris]

John is a great player.I'm interested in his guitar.

[Rob MacKillop]

I used to know what it is, but have since forgotten. The body 'wings' are detachable for travel.

[GuyBoden]

John is a great player.I'm interested in his guitar.

I think he is still playing a DragonFly Electric SoloEtte Travel Guitar.

[skittles]

I’ve been listening to his solo album, Solitary Tales, for many years. Introspective in an inquisitive and beautiful way.

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been enjoying it. I believe John was an early teacher of Ben Monder.’s I feel like I can hear that connection here.


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[dconeill]

I used to love John Stowell's music. Probably still would, if I could actually listen to it.

But alas, I can't acquire Scenes' album "Variable Clouds", because it's only available from Apple Music/iTunes, which doesn't appear to work to support Windows users' purchases of music, or if it does I'm too thick to figure out how. I don't want a physical CD, so that's that.

Have I mentioned that I loathe Apple?

[Cunamara]

Isn't there a Windows version of iTunes? I can't imagine that Apple would have become a $3 trillion tech company just selling music to Mac and iPhone/iPad users.

i've been a Mac user since 1986 and have had iPhones and iPads for a long time now too. I am coming to loathe Apple, as well. They have spectacularly incompetent voice to text which makes my life difficult on a daily basis, and in general seem to see themselves more as a manufacturer of tech gizmos and a flashy operating system- but with little interest in making sure that their own apps function even half competently.

[Rob MacKillop]

OK, this thread is about celebrating John Stowell, not venting hate on Apple, though I’d be happy to contribute to such a thread if either one of you started that up. There are a few download albums featuring John Stowell on Amazon (we probably hate Amazon too, but please let’s not go there on this thread).

[Rob MacKillop]

I also recommend the wonderful album by John Stowell and our own Mark Kleinhaut, which I’ve enjoyed on many occasions: Cross Country Lines.

[Litterick]

Variable Clouds live at Boxleys.

The show starts at 3:50.

[Liarspoker]

Big fan. John is great. Beautiful voicings etc.

[Jimmy blue note]

Discovered him WAY back-Golden Delicious on vinyl. Big fan to this day. Gracious, smart and so musical. Ben Monder sees him as his mentor. He's a gentle yet authoritative and ceaseless explorer. Much to be learned from him on so many levels.

[Rob MacKillop]

Good to see some love for Johnny S!