The distance between them allows for a myriad of possibilities within the same space. Structure is built on a foundation of recognizable elements such as a melody line, a rhythm and a basis for improvisation. In Joe's case, he has fashioned that foundation in knowing what the history of jazz music sounds like and also in a specific non-musical philosophy. A philosophy whose backbone is positive, forward motion. Pain and suffering is laid to rest.
Spirituality is the drive.
The musical expressionism is the improvisation. This is the means for all great music composition whether notated or sketched or intuited through improvisation. Intuition motivates the classical music composer as much as it does the jazz musician, standing there alone playing an instrument spontaneously, musically searching for directions in which to go. Joe always finds those directions, beautifully, sensibly, inimitably, behaving as a fulcrum, going from comfort zones to unknown territory. That territory is simultaneously so tentative and so unbearably seized.