At 45, Joe Beck bragged that The Journey contained "the best playing I've ever recorded." One tends to greet such lofty statements with a healthy amount of skepticism, but in this case, the artist had something to back it up. Even if The Journey isn't necessarily the best album Beck has ever recorded as a leader, it's certainly among his best. The guitarist's playing is confident and inspired throughout the post-bop/fusion album, and he definitely goes that extra mile on well-known standards like Bronislaw Kaper's ...
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At 45, Joe Beck bragged that The Journey contained "the best playing I've ever recorded." One tends to greet such lofty statements with a healthy amount of skepticism, but in this case, the artist had something to back it up. Even if The Journey isn't necessarily the best album Beck has ever recorded as a leader, it's certainly among his best. The guitarist's playing is confident and inspired throughout the post-bop/fusion album, and he definitely goes that extra mile on well-known standards like Bronislaw Kaper's "Invitation" and Benny Golson's "Killer Joe" as well as such Beck originals as the emotional "Quidado," the haunting "I Don't Know," and the intriguing title track. The fact that the Philadelphia native has enthusiastic support certainly doesn't hurt -- vibist Dave Samuels (of Spyro Gyra fame), bassist Chip Jackson, and drummer Terry Clarke all do their part to bring out the best in Beck. If you only own a few Beck CDs, The Journey should be among them. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi
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