For Joe

Just as a headstrong young pianist named Oscar Peterson was once humbled by his first exposure to an Art Tatum record, guitarist Steve Masakowski admits to having "a humbling and seemingly life-altering effect" over two decades earlier when his guitar teacher played the record "For Django" by the late virtuoso Joe Pass. Masakowski has developed into a masterful guitarist in his own right in his mid-forties, but he hasn't forgotten the inspiration of the music of Joe Pass. This CD features superb interpretation of "For Django" and another lesser known Pass composition, "I'll Know." Masakowski wrote the blues tribute "I'll Pass" and loping ballad "The Big Easy." A boppish "Falling in Love With Love" is a strong opener, and his swinging take of Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" is also very appealing. Bassist Bill Huntington and drummer Johnny Vidacovich provide strong support on this highly recommended release.