Joe Beck, 63, Renowned Jazz Guitarist

Joe Beck, the internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer and recording artist, died on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 in hospice in Danbury CT.
Born Joseph Arnold Beck in 1945, Philadelphia, PA. Son of the late Arnold and Eleanor (Chichester) Beck.
Acknowledged by jazz lovers the world over, Mr. Beck was known for his singular, immediately recognizable sound, harmonic and rhythmic concept, and brilliant solo improvisation. As a guitarist he was often compared to other icons of jazz - "Like what Charlie Parker was to the saxophone."
Honored five times by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) as Most Valuable Player, "the Beck sound" was sought after by an array of artists including Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Paul Desmond, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Stan Getz, Larry Coryell, Gene Ammons, Sergio Mendez, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Laura Nyro, Houston Person, Roger Kellaway, Richie Havens, Paul Simon, Joe Farrell, James Brown, Gato Barbieri, and many others.
In a career spanning 4 decades, Mr. Beck was also a prolific arranger and producer. Record projects in the 1970's and 80's included work with Frank Sinatra, Gloria Gaynor, and two albums for Esther Phillips including her hit single, What A Difference A Day Makes. Along the way he was signed to contracts with Columbia, Polydor, Verve, Gryphon, CTI, and MGM Records.
Part of his personal musical legacy were four album CD's recorded in the 1980's and 90's: Relaxin' , Friends (featuring the late Michael Brecker on sax),Back To Beck ,and The Journey, all on the boutique jazz label, DMP. Anot her jazz treasure is the album Fingerpainting, on the Wavetone label which features Bill Evans on sax, Danny Gottlieb on drums, and Mark Egan on bass.
More recently, ALTO and DJANGO, on DMP, with flutist Ali Ryerson were received with critical raves. These featured the sound of one of his line of signature guitars, The Joe Beck ALTO.
He composed for film and television, while maintaining an active performing career, appearing with other jazz greats, in many bands and duo combinations, and with the Royal Philharmonic orchestra in London, the Milan Philharmonic in Italy, and The Paris String Ensemble in France. One of Mr. Beck's great delights was performing and recording with other guitarists. His most recent concert series, in December 2007, was a European tour with John Abercrombie, the American jazz stylist.
Joe Beck was known for his versatility, originality and sharp wit, both musically and verbally. Insightful interviews for jazz publications remain source material and inspiration for authors and musicians alike.
The couple lived in Woodbury, CT, with their daughter Mallory, 18, and twin sons Shaun and Shane, 13.
Mr. Beck is also survived by his sons JJ, Peter, brother, Robert Beck and sisters, Marcia Salner and Laurie McGrath.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made to The Woodbury Scholarship Fund, P.O Box 716, Woodbury, CT 06798.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: 1st Congregational Church of Woodbury

Services: Memorial service and celebration of Mr. Beck's life will be Tuesday, July 29th, 11a.m at the First Congregational Church of Woodbury, CT.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.