- Emmett Chapman
Infobox musical artist
Name = Emmett Chapman
Img_capt = Emmett Chapman in 1969
Img_size = 200px
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Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name =
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1936|9|28
Died =
Origin =
Instrument =guitar ,Chapman Stick
Genre =Jazz
Occupation =musician ,songwriter ,luthier
Years_active = 1969 -
Label =
Associated_acts =
URL =
Notable_instruments = Chapman StickEmmett Chapman is a
jazz musician best known as the inventor of theChapman Stick and maker of Chapman Stick family of instruments.Originally a guitarist, Chapman began recording and performing beginning in the late 1960s. He played with several different popular artists, including Jazz guitarist
Barney Kessell and popular singer/songwriterTim Buckley , before taking his own band on the road.In the late 1960s Chapman modified guitars to accommodate his new "
Free Hands " tapping method. While some guitarists had done two-handed tapping with the fingers of the right hand parallel to the strings, Chapman's method had the fingers of both hands perpendicular to the strings. This culminated in the creation of theChapman Stick , with the first Stick manufactured in 1974. Chapman holds 14 patents for various aspects of the Chapman Stick. During the 1970s Chapman toured extensively to promote his music and the instrument.In 1985 Chapman released a solo album titled
Parallel Galaxy . This included Chapman playing with a drummer and without, and withharmonica and vocalaccompaniment . According to Chapman, his musical style is influenced by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. One track from the album, "Back Yard", was used in the "Alan Smithee " version of the 1984 film "Dune". A Stick that was painted gold was used as the baliset musical instrument, described in the novel.In 1987 Chapman released a performance video titled "Hands Across The Board". These days Chapman still performs, though not as much, and primarily in the Los Angeles area, where he lives. He also continues to head up Stick Enterprises, the company that makes Chapman Sticks.
External links
* [http://www.emmettchapman.net Biographical website about Emmett Chapman]
* [http://www.stick.com/instruments/alto/lotus.mov Quicktime video of Chapman playing Lotus on Irish Streams on alto Chapman Stick]
* [http://www.stick.com Stick Enterprises website]
* [http://www.guitarsessions.com/dec05/guitar_maker.asp Interview with Emmett Chapman] at Mel Bay's Guitar Sessions Webzine
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