Iconic Vermont multi-instrumentalist and banjo virtuoso Gordon Stone will be celebrated on Thursday, July 30 with the release of a new record, The Music of Gordon Stone: A Retrospective Anthology, and The “Touch & Go” Gordon Stone Memorial Service.
The Music of Gordon Stone: A Retrospective Anthology, which was scheduled to come out on the day of Stone’s passing--Friday, July 10-- will now be released on Thursday, July 30 via Astrology Days Records, a label started by Stone’s friend and banjo protégé, Patrick "Pappy" Biondo and John Morgan Kimock. Digital downloads and vinyl pressings will be available on Bandcamp, at this link.
The celebration of Gordon Stone’s illustrious musical legacy will continue on Thursday night at 8:00 pm EST on FANS with a two-hour special, The “Touch & Go” Gordon Stone Memorial Service, on FANS.com. The event will feature words and performances by Mike Gordon, Al Schnier (Moe)., Scott Murawski (Max Creek), Twiddle, Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio Band), Tony Trischka, Larry Keel, Pappy Biondo (Cabinet), Michael Daves, Todd Stoops (RAQ), and more members of his musical family from Burlington, VT and beyond.
A portion of the proceeds from the album release and memorial service will be donated to Backline, the music industry’s mental health and wellness resource hub.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Vermont legend Gordon Stone. Gordon was a kind, gentle soul and an elegant musician,” Phish’s Trey Anastasio wrote on social media upon hearing of his passing.
Phish’s Mike Gordon lamented over social media when he learned of Stone’s passing, writing: “I took my first banjo lessons from [Gordon Stone], and pedal steel, too. He was in my first solo band, The Drop Caps, with [Scott Murawski] and Greg DeGuglielmo, for a show, and on my Inside In album and first solo tour. Twelve years ago when Sue and I got married it was the sound of his pedal steel before and after the ceremony. He was a long time friend and mentor. I will miss you, Gordon!”
Moe.’s Vinnie Amico commented, “I had the pleasure of playing with Gordon quite a bit. We played in the Transamericans together. Gordon was a pioneer of the jam scene, exploring music and melding genres before there was such a thing as jam bands. Not only was Gordon a great player but he was a great guy, fun on and off stage. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace brother…”
About Gordon Stone
Gordon Stone attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he studied jazz guitar and discovered artists such as Django Reinhardt and banjo pioneer, Bill Keith.
Gordon Stone has been writing his genre-crossing music on banjo and pedal steel guitar for over 30 years, recording 5 studio albums of his own original material. Gordon was named "Best Instrumentalist" for five years and he also won an Emmy for Jay Craven's VPT series, "Windy Acres" soundtrack in 2005.
He has recorded and performed with some of the country's most influential musicians in the bluegrass and jam world - Tony Trischka, Vassar Clemmens, Sam Bush, Peter Rowan, Phish, Mike Gordon, moe., Strangefolk, Max Creek, to name only a few.
About Backline
Backline is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides mental health and wellness resources to the music industry and their families.
Backline connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources—streamlining access to a network of trusted organizations and care providers that understand this line of work.
Backline fills a gap between an underserved community and the resources they need to thrive — on and off the road. Backline is a platform for music industry professionals and their families to learn, ask questions, and find clinical support to navigate mental health challenges. Life in this industry can be incredibly isolating and difficult; Backline provides a safe, private, and immediate place to go for help.
