I came home the other night to find my mother seated in front of the television, watching a PBS music program, and it wasn’t Lawrence Welk.
She was watching a fellow named Emmett Chapman and a band called the Stick Men (which includes King Crimson associated musician Tony Levin), demonstrate a versatile instrument he invented: the Chapman Stick, a device resembling a guitar with extra frets, no filled-out body to speak of, and a bevy of ways to play it and/or imitate or enhance other instruments. It can be strummed or tapped, adjusted to produce a large variety of sounds (like bass and harmonies with chords) all at once.
The sound was mesmerizing and fun to listen to, and it was interesting to bridge the gap in our ages and appreciate something unique in modern music: my mother doesn’t particularly like much past the Sinatra era, but she liked this. I enjoyed the music and overlooked some of the titles of the pieces (“Lark Tongues in Aspic Part II” or something like that), but appreciated that the audience in the venue was quiet and engaged, and I didn’t need earplugs.
Sure, I’m no expert in music terminology, so as Chapman discussed the qualities of the instrument I figured whatever he was saying was impressive. What matters is that the instrument makes a fine sound and can probably be played by anybody. It’s not a ukulele, but it’s not trying to play the Prokofiev 3rd Piano Concerto, either. I’m surprised more guitarists don’t try this instrument.
I wonder what it would be like to pair a Chapman Stick with a Theremin?
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