Customer Reviews

For Joe

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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".

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.

Steve Masakowski has got it. Got What? Got the guitar players version of the Midas Touch. Bill Huntington and Johnny Vidacovich aint to shabby none either. From start to finish, the record is perfect.

Steve Masakowski's recording "For Joe" is a wonderful tribute to Joe Pass. Steve is an absolutely killer musician, composer, and guitarist. Every jazz guitarist should have this CD in their collection. I strongly recommend this recording. Bravo Steve

Steve Masakowski, without question, is where everyone
should look; he's original,his voicings bespeak a unique
ear, and, he swings(and,can flat-out groove)!!!"The Big Easy,"
should be in our standard repetoire.It teases , and beguiles,
with an unexpected blueness.Always melodic, playing 'outside/
in-the -pocket,'this is the essence of perfect!His tone is
something which holds you, and pulls you throuhout his music.
If you wish to learn Jazz guitar, and are new to this area,
BUY THIS CD!!!And, if you are a veteran player, like myself,
this guy is what years of growing up, musically, is all about.
Check out Steve Masakowski's " LIVE at SNUG HARBOR".
This is the BEST "live" guitar-outing I've ever heard;I've
been playing guitar for 25+ years!...