Reviews/Quotes

From the liner notes of Melody Messenger (solo guitar CD). Thanks Gene; James; and Pete---love you guys...

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When I first listened to the Joel Fass CD, I loved everything I heard: the interesting and refreshing choice of tunes, his arrangements, voicings, harmonic movements, the clarity of his swinging jazz lines, the dynamics and overall sensitivity.....

He has taken the time to present a totally fulfilling solo album.

 

Gene Bertoncini

 

This is a beautiful recording by a very special musician. Joel Fass is a guitarist who distinguishes himself by truly playing in service to the songs he loves. He delivers the message of these melodies with great care and detail and communicates his feelings about them in a clear and confident voice. The sound of the guitar on the recording is round and full, and draws us into the stories. His arrangements of these songs are beautifully orchestrated and full of subtle surprises, always in the context of the story. This is a refreshing and very enjoyable recording by a musician whose priorities are rare in the guitar world full of flash and virtuosity for its own sake. Joel Fass reminds us of the strength and courage in playing the song with honesty and integrity. Thank you!'

 

Peter Bernstein

 

 

I've known Joel Fass for a good number of years, and listening to this recording just brings home how much musicality is in everything he plays. He plays, and always has, with an uncompromising musical integrity. He never allows himself to be more important than the music. A beautiful, clear and balanced tone, and a great selection of songs containing a variety of conceptions. From Willie Dixon to Stephen Sondheim to Stevie Wonder, what's not to like? I'm particularly partial to the overlooked Strouse/Adams gem Once Upon a Time and Mancini's Two For the Road. If you're looking for musical guitar playing, look no further! You've got it in your hands.

 

James  Chirillo (currently guitarist with Wynton Marsalis's Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra).

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 On Joel's compositions:

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'Congratulations on a marvelous tune (Not a Bad November) I'm with you all the way, and please use my name'---Phil Woods, 2004 (his '90s Quintet put my chart Tiger Phil Woods in the book and played it.

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'Not a Bad November's a classy tune. Send it to Tony Bennett'---Bill Finegan (Arranger for Glenn Miller; countless others; 1/2 of Sauter-Finegan.

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'You're one of the only ones writing real melodies'---Benny Golson, 1995