Food for thought....opinions on where The Stick fits within the musical universe. Guitars are played in every genre but are mostly associated with pop and rock. Saxophones and trumpets are linked to jazz history. Violins, classical, bass is popular in funk. Of course The Stick is forever linked to Prog due to TL's output in KC. I've taught and played all styles, some easier to connect with the music than others. The techniques and accessibilities of every instrument seems to direct the player to a style. Tough to play heavy metal on bagpipes. I've had success doing interpretations of everything from Tears For Fears, Beatles, Sting, and James Taylor to Metheny, Ellington, Wes and Monk. But an authentic Johnny B. Good eludes me. Is there a sweet spot for this incredible instrument? Of course its history has been brief and more exploration needs to be done.
Wed Apr 02, 2025 5:03 am
Alain
Elite Contributor
Joined: Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:02 am Posts: 2664 Location: Shawinigan, Quebec, Canada
Re: Stick identity in music
Composition is the first thing I have in mind when I play the stick.
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:11 am Posts: 457 Location: Oslo, Norway
Re: Stick identity in music
I've had good results in pop and rock. Jazz eludes me... but Steve excels at it, and the late Frank Jolliffe was also great, so it obviously can be done! Classical seems very suited, the sound of the Stick has something in common with the cembalo (or harpsichord) used in a lot of renaissance and baroque music
_________________ Ciao, Francesco
Wed Apr 02, 2025 6:36 am
Lee Vatip
Site Donor
Joined: Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:06 am Posts: 3321
Re: Stick identity in music
I find the jazz genre quite suitable for the Stick's sound. When playing this style, I'm striving to capture the guitar flavor of Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino and Mr. Metheny, accompanied by the bass styles of Ron Carter, Ray Brown or even Mr. Wooten. Pianists also are an influence. And as an attendee of Woodstock '69 and the Fillmore East I also steer towards those Allman Brothers tracks, Santana, Jeff Beck, Zep etc. Mostly comfortable with those styles. Just trying to get some player's visions of music with natural feel on The Stick.
The Chapman Stick can be used for creating special sound effects for the film industry. I use both the Stick and Roli Seaboard for this purpose.
For example:
_________________ #404 Stick - (1978) Angico hard wood. #6460 Railboard - Black with glow inlays.
Wed Apr 02, 2025 8:59 am
Lee Vatip
Site Donor
Joined: Mon Dec 24, 2007 10:06 am Posts: 3321
Re: Stick identity in music
Funny watching that clip. A long while ago, one of my students played Stick in the original NY Blue Man production. He suggested i go down to the theater and audition to possibly sub for him occassionally. When I showed up with my Stick, they exclaimed " you actually play that thing?" They wanted me to rub a string across the neck as seen in this video etc. In the end, I was deemed overqualified for the job. BTW, it paid $80/show. Parking was $50 , so I would've passed anyway
SA
Wed Apr 02, 2025 10:01 am
DQ2U951
Contributor
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2019 9:52 pm Posts: 151 Location: Richmond, VA
Re: Stick identity in music
I've pondered this myself over the past 3 or 4 years. So far I've concluded that The Stick functions as a piano-esque instrument in a ensemble, but has a string-like tamber, akin to a harpsichord mixed with an electric bass. The sound of the instrument falls into the rhythm section naturally, it's hard not to walk all over a bass or guitar player. Imo, although it's an amazing instrument with a awesome modern sound it has a hard time fitting into a conventional band setting; this why the Stick is usually just doubling on bass when you come across recordings of it.
I've personally been chasing after a more traditional folk / Americana style, it's easier to play that stuff on a Stick than it is on a guitar or banjo imo.
I've had success doing interpretations of everything but an authentic Johnny B. Good eludes me. Is there a sweet spot for this incredible instrument? Of course its history has been brief and more exploration needs to be done.
As long as it can play StairWay to Heaven
_________________ #404 Stick - (1978) Angico hard wood. #6460 Railboard - Black with glow inlays.
Wed Apr 02, 2025 11:41 am
rikkugon
Site Donor
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2014 10:19 pm Posts: 77
Re: Stick identity in music
Lee Vatip wrote:
the player to a style. Tough to play heavy metal on bagpipes.
AC/DC disagrees:
_________________ Rick's Sticks: Rosewood Grand 821 NS Stick 9120582
Wed Apr 02, 2025 9:05 pm
DavidWS
Super Donor
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2021 1:54 am Posts: 1450 Location: North West Scotland
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