Album Notes

Joe LoPiccolo is a guitarist and composer whose work is influenced by Classical, Jazz and World Music styles. Writer Dan O'Heron of the Pasadena Weekly states his music is "Soft spoken eloquence, fascinatingly improvised." and "The music is comforting and visual, it takes you to a better place, a paradise found." Guitarist Andrew York of the Grammy Award winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet states "Having exceptional ability in both classical and jazz genres is very rare; Joe excels in both styles." Andy Ellis, senior editor of Guitar Player magazine stated "LoPiccolo's impeccably executed, imaginative arrangements reveal his mastery of the guitar and its most subtle timbres." The 2004 Sierra Madre Music release "Passages" contains twelve original compositions by Joe LoPiccolo and features an impressive line-up of guest musicians including renowned guitarists Andrew York and Miroslav Tadic. The compositions and improvisations are reflective of many musical influences including African, Brazilian, Classical, Eastern European, Flamenco, Indian and Jazz genres. Personnel:Guitarist Andrew York is a former member of the Grammy nominated Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Guitarist Miroslav Tadic was voted by the editors of Guitar Player magazine as one of the world's thirty most radical and individual guitarists. Saxophonist Eric Barber has been called "a growing presence on the Los Angeles new music scene" by the L.A. Weekly and "tastefully wild" by the Los Angeles Times. Bassist Rene Camacho has performed or recorded with Ry Cooder, Poncho Sanchez, Strunz And Farah, Sergio Mendes and Kevin Eubanks among many others. Bassist Larry Steen was described as "A giant of the not too distant future" by esteemed late jazz critic Leonard Feather. Percussionist Randy Gloss is a member of the group "Hands On'Semble," Drum! Magazine 2002 and 2003 Reader's Poll Award winner Best Percussion Ensemble. Joe LoPiccolo Selected Discography:"Passages", Sierra Madre Music 0309"Journey" (with Ray Sandoval), Phocus Records 2074"CalArts Jazz 94", (Sampler), Capitol Records DPRO 79365"Jazz Guitar for Classical Cats" Vol. 1 (with Andrew York), Alfred 18471"Jazz Guitar for Classical Cats" Vol. 3 (with Andrew York), Alfred 19435www.joelopiccolo.comwww.myspace.com/joelopiccolo