Joe Beck Trio – Strangers In The Night (2000) [Japan 2017] [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-251]

Joe Beck Trio - Strangers In The Night (2000) [Japan 2017]

Title: Joe Beck Trio – Strangers In The Night (2000) [Japan 2017]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Joe Beck began his career as a highly sought-after studio guitarist in the early 70s. His clean jazz playing on electric guitar was his hallmark. His discography is well-worthy searching for. He was well-respected and played with artists such as John Abercrombie, Jimmy Bruno, Gill Evans, Don Sebesky, Bobby TImmons, and Paul Simon. This wonderful recording was made for Japanese Venus label, and dedicated to Frank Sinatra.

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1 min read

Joe Beck Trio – Girl Talk (2003) [Japan 2017] [SACD / Venus Records – VHGD-213]

Joe Beck Trio - Girl Talk (2003) [Japan 2017]

Title: Joe Beck Trio – Girl Talk (2003) [Japan 2017]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Joe Beck was an American jazz guitarist who played in a variety of jazz styles, including jazz fusion, post bop, mainstream jazz and soul jazz. On this album Joe Beck joined with Joey DeFrancesco and Idris Muhammad. As result the trio plays subtle, tastefully rendered versions of jazz standards. Beck’s guitar takes inspiration from the Jim Hall and Pat Metheny, featuring gentle bent notes, muted strumming, wandering melodic lines, and a smooth, rounded tone.

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1 min read

Joe Beck Trio – Brazilian Dreamin’ (2006) [Japan 2016] [SACD / Venus Records – VHCD-137]

Joe Beck Trio - Brazilian Dreamin' (2006) [Japan 2016]

Title: Joe Beck Trio – Brazilian Dreamin’ (2006) [Japan 2016]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Joe Beck began his career as a highly sought-after studio guitarist in the early 70s. His clean jazz playing on electric guitar was his hallmark. His discography is well-worthy searching for. He was well-respected and played with artists such as John Abercrombie, Jimmy Bruno, Gill Evans, Don Sebesky, Bobby TImmons, and Paul Simon. This recording was made for Japanese Venus label. Relaxed samba/bossa nova is the emphasis here, with selections from Antonio Carlos Jobim, primarily.

Joe Beck has had a long career, though he remains an artist deserving of wider recognition. These 2005 sessions are a relaxing affair that will delight fans of Brazilian jazz. Joined by bassist Ira Coleman and drummer Thierry Arpino (who is known for his work with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty), Beck’s fluid electric guitar (while sometimes overdubbing an acoustic rhythm line) makes the most of each selection, playing a heavy dose of popular tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim and his own tasty originals. Highlights among the Jobim compositions include the bittersweet “O Grande Amor” and the easygoing “Felicidade.” Harmonica player Gregoire Maret is added for the leader’s gentle bossa nova “And Here’s to You” and Jobim’s bittersweet “Falando De Amor.” Beck also offers an inventive samba arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” that adds a few twists while played at a slower-than-typical tempo, so it sneaks up on the listener. Highly recommended!

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2 min read