For Joe

Steve Masakowski | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 11, 2000)
• Original Release Date: April 11, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B00004SBX2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,058 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

No description available.
Genre: Jazz Music
Rating:
Release Date: 0000-00-00
Media Type: Compact Disk

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hope for the future of Jazz Guitar, March 10, 2004

By 

Jeffrey T. Newell (New Orleans, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: For Joe (Audio CD)

This is a beautiful recording of some killer playing, arranging, composition, and improvisation. There are many levels in which to dig this cd. The rich tone of each of the instruments - Steve's shimmering, woody tone on guitar, the rich growl and earth of Bill Huntington's bass, and the sometimes sensitive, sometimes screaming sound of Johny Vidocovitch on the drums. The compositions of Steve Masakowski are richly, sometimes painfully so, woven tapestries that are unmistakeably unique. Steve's compositions grab a special place in my musical soul every time I hear them. I can't say that about many other musicians.

The album is a very tasteful, honest outing with no studio production to take away from the sound of the classic guitar trio format playing modern jazz in the best sense of the word. You can enjoy this from a purely guitar chops point of view as well, because Steve is an absolute master who plays incredible lines, chords, and stops with ease. Having read an editorial review that makes a point to mention a picking technique that limits speed, I find it almost laughable because the impression you get as a listener is that this is a man with unbelievable speed and chops. I don't think I've heard players who CAN play any faster than Steve Masakowski or Joe Pass, but, so what?? It never was about speed for speed's sake, anyway. In any case, Steve's musical bag is huge and, in my opinion, used with utmost taste.

Also, listening to the interplay and arrangements between Steve Masakowski and Bill Huntington is awe inspiring. The two together produce such rich chord voicings and counterpoints it can send shivers up your spine.

I love this recording! This is a must have, and will grow on you over time.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The City's Best, June 12, 2000

By 

travis ayers - See all my reviews

This review is from: For Joe (Audio CD)

Masakowski makes his home in the most important jazz city in the world, New Orleans. The city itself is as rich and intricate as the music which smoothly springs forth from the instrument whick Masakowski plays. The work is titled "For Joe" because one of the great influences on the music of the artist was Joe Pass and more specifically the 1964 recording of "For Django". The work being reviewed is full of hints alluding to "For Django" which in itself is a staggering musical success. In the morning I eats my red beans and rice and listens to my "For Joe" and if you know whats good for ya, you better too. If you like this also try Masakowski's jazz family "Astral Project" (this crazy nut named Jonny Vidacovich plays some incredible drums). Also, "Los Hombres Calientes" and "Rebirth Brass Band".

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steve Masakowski is a guitarist's guitarist, August 11, 2003

By 

Ernest E. Svenson "Ernie the Attorney" (New Orleans, Louisiana United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: For Joe (Audio CD)

Steve started out playing bass in a Rock Band, but somehow found his way to Hank Mackie (a well-respected jazz guitarist in New Orleans). Hank taught him jazz and the rest is history.

Steve is a virtuoso player with rock-solid technique. His penchant for the bass is still vibrant and is perhaps the reason why he plays a seven string guitar. In addition to his tremendous playing skill he is also a virtuoso composer.

Any of Steve's albums would be worth buying and listening to repeatedly, but this one is definitely a labor of love. It is also a worthy paying of respect by one great guitarist to another, more well-known one.