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Revision as of 22:00, 22 May 2005 by Cmdrjameson (talk | contribs) (sp)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Emmett Chapman is the inventor of the Chapman Stick, maker of Chapman Stick instruments, and a jazz musician, recording and performing beginning in the late 1960s.
Chapman played with several different popular artists, including Jazz guitarist Barney Kessell and popular singer/songwriter Tim Buckley, before taking his own band on the road.
In the late 1960s Chapman modified guitars to accommodate a new tap method of playing he developed. This culminated in the creation of the Chapman Stick, with the first Stick manufactured in 1974. 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 with harmonica and vocal accompaniment. According to Chapman, his musical style is influenced by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. One track from the album, Back Yard, was used in the director's cut of the film Dune. A Stick that was painted gold played the part of 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.