JOE PASCARELL

“Many of Joe’s Most beautiful attributes cannot be captured in the physical world. While he existed in it, he did not have a typical relationship to it. So what we’re left with is so fitting, a lifetime of his special gifts: treasurable moments, laughs, and a very unique style of “Joe philosophies and thinking.” All of that will be with us for a lifetime. I’m so grateful for the time I shared with him and were able to bear witness to a beautiful, tender, powerful and creative man. 

When I was 16, he taught me how time flowed through all music which was mind blowing at that age, and something I did not know.  I think about him whenever I’m trying to figure out a rhythm or time signature. He exposed me to Bill Bruford and Terri Bozzio and Marin Chambers. He always encouraged me to listen. In learning new material, he felt in order to play something you had to ‘REALLY’ know it, have it internalized. He could always tell when that was not the case. In playing live, he taught me to resist the urge to play something I “thought” of, he preferred things to naturally flow from a musician’s essence, not their brain. Some of the most beautiful times we shared was when he was teaching me his music while I played the piano. He was so so patient while I made mistakes all over the place. He reveled in showing me any part of music theory. But it was his patience and love that really stuck with me; no matter how many times asked him the same questions or blew it on his beautiful songs, he never lost it. 

Getting on stage with him was always a powerful and confident moment, and something that we experienced together for over 35 years. With him beside me I always knew what mattered most, connecting with the audience, being real, being authentic.  He was a reminder and an example of that every time we got on stage. 

Our friendship started in 1985 when I was so young. He was full of love and patience to teach me so many things; all I know about cars is from Joe, the same for the tiny bit about physics. I miss having someone know me for so long and from the inside out. Always someone I could count on for love and support and to give it back as reluctantly as he’d received it. Those are pretty much the most important attributes in a friendship which I was so lucky to have for so long. There’s always so much more but I’ll leave it here. I miss Joe every single day.

“And all that is now

And all that is gone

And all that's to come

And everything under the sun is in tune

But the sun is eclipsed by the moon”

- Tahrah Cohen, co-founder of The Machine

“It was 1987 and I was 15 years old when I met Joe Pascarell. He came into Alto Music (where I was working) to see if he could get his Les Paul repaired. In an inspired rage, he had broken the headstock off of the night before at a gig at Cheers in Nyack). His visit that day made a lasting impression on me and every time after that when he would come in, we would chat or he would play some guitar. I always was in awe of his mastery and how natural and  joyful his relationship to music was.

As the years passed, The Machine was formed and I would continue to see Joe at the store and he would sometimes tell stories of shows and life on the road. By the early 1990s, The Machine was now legendary in Rockland County and began to make a name for themselves on a much larger scale. My trajectory at that time led me to music college and I sort of lost touch with the Rockland music scene that I grew up with. Fast forward to 1997 - an opportunity arose for me to join The Machine and I jumped at it. I was a green 25 year-old with no real touring experience under my belt, but Joe (and the rest of the band) took me in and showed me the ropes and the rest is history.

We shared nearly two and a half decades of tours, one-off gigs, late nite drives, flights, rest stops, hotels, endless hours of long car rides filled with laughs, deep conversations and everything in between. Over the course of those 25 years, we played all over the US and eventually went to Europe, Central America, and Asia together. Every stage we played, I'd look to my right, and there was Joe.

We formed a bond that went well beyond just the music we played together. I was all over the world with this man and we shared the whole spectrum of emotions and experiences. Some very difficult times and very many beautiful and joyous times. From recording projects in my studio to various gigs with other bands...we even played mandolin together with an orchestra at Carnegie Hall! We geeked out over guitars, amps and other gear, and fanboyed out over our favorite music including Pink Floyd, Glen Campbell, Beatles, Queen, Beach Boys, Eagles and more. We quoted our favorite Seinfeld, Amadeus, and Jerky Boys lines. There was always love and brotherhood fueling it all.

To say I will always feel this void is of course an understatement. Joe has taught me, influenced me and touched my life in so many ways and will be forever missed. Much love my brother Joe.

- Ryan Ball, member of The Machine

“The Machine was a mainstay at Wetlands in NYC during the 1990’s. I was playing with my own band, ulu, during those years and would often have a show in close proximity to a Machine show. Sometimes even the very next night. But we never crossed paths back then. I had only heard the legendary tales of their epic performances.

So when ulu’s break up and The Machine’s search for a new keyboardist happened to coincide, I jumped at the opportunity. I met Joe Pascarell at my audition in July of 2006. He was mysterious, sarcastic, intimidating…yet gentle, inviting and charismatic. We established a musical connection immediately - one of those “love at first sound” experiences. He played the guitar with a contagious ease and comfort.

Needless to say I passed the audition and began touring with The Machine in October of 2006. For 16 years, I took my place next to Joe onstage. And offstage. We played so much music together. I was always impressed by his ability to make David Gilmour’s solos feel like they were his own, every single time. We traveled all across the US and all over the world. The shows were only a small fraction of it… we lived together on the road. In cars. In vans. On planes. In hotels. In gas station food marts. In Bob Evan’s restaurants. Being in a band is like a marriage…it’s complicated. We experienced every possible emotion on the spectrum. It wasn’t always easy. There was joy, there was pain. There was victory, there was stuggle. But it was all real.

Joe and I had a relationship that was deeper than family. Deeper than friendship. I can’t even explain what it was. We had endless philosophical discussions about life. We laughed our asses off again and again in the most ridiculous way. We sat together in total silence and that was just as comfortable as talking. We would geek out about music theory and the translation of chords and modes from guitar to piano. We shared a sincere passion for baseball and constantly debated pitching and hitting. We listened to our favorite bands and artists and went to concerts. We learned a lot from each other.

Joe gave his beautiful heart to music and shared his beautiful spirit with all of us. I am incredibly grateful for every single moment I got to share with him. There is an emptiness inside me that won’t ever be refilled. And I won’t try. In this way, Joe will live with me always. Shine on, my dear brother…”

- Scott Chasolen, member of The Machine

“I was in shock when I heard that Joe Pascarell had passed away. We only met about five years ago, but I have seen him play and admired him for decades. we also both had a long history of working on Porsches as years ago he worked with a friend of mine at his shop which I hadn’t known about until I met him. unfortunately he wasn’t able to make my races last year, it would’ve been great to have him at the track.

Joe was amazingly humble and kind, he probably was afraid of asking me for help with his pedals, but when I finally convinced him to, we worked together quite a bit. Nothing makes me happier about my work than hearing a great musician use our creations on stage, as in this video sequence. It still gives me chills when I hear him play this.

When Covid first hit, we were going to do some Facebook live from my music room showing some Pink Floyd licks and sounds. But unfortunately he caught Covid and had a bad case. Joe recovered and the band was set for a tour in spring.

I am so glad I brought Joe to see Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets show, it was very special for him to see them and meet Nick Mason and the band. My deep condolences to his family, band mates, and friends.”

- “Analog” Mike Piera, friend and master creator of custom guitar effects pedals

“For me being around Joe was a lesson in humility, as well as a lesson in sincerity. Joe’s warm and welcoming presence always made me feel valued as a human being and as a musical contributor. I’ll never forget his straight to the point candor combined with his loving and brotherly “It’s all good” sense of camaraderie he offered to both friends and strangers alike.”

- Norbert Stachel, saxaphonist and collaborator of The Machine

“I love Joe and Joe loved me. I’m so happy that I even met him. I got to have an amazing relationship with him with many many beautiful moments. My favorite moment with him was a phone call after a gig. We had played a boat cruise in NYC and he called me the day after to tell me how proud he was of me. I cherished the praise and felt like I had a big brother who was happy to see me doing well. He always made me feel like I was better than I felt about myself. I’ll never ever get another friend like Joe. But I’m so thankful I had him for a while!”

- Dylan Kelehan, former member of The Machine

“Joe was special to me. Not because he was the lead singer and guitarist of the band I worked with, but because he treated me like a friend and brother more than anything else. For close to 100 shows I worked for The Machine and I never felt like an "employee" I always felt like part of the band and when Joe was there it really felt that way. You could even say he made it like a small family. Joe always greeted me with a warm hug and kind salutations, always asking how the drive was, making sure the staff treated us right, and lastly asking about his equipment. Even though that might be one of the most important aspects of the show. Joe made sure to make you feel cared for and included. Crewing for the band was hard work, but Joe always had time to make jokes or talk with me about sports and was always eager to teach me about the music. I especially liked coxing an old story from the past or the meaning to an inside joke out of him. We all shared some good laughs together.  He called us the best crew he ever worked with and that was so flattering because of how great I thought the band and Joe were.  All the late night drives, early mornings, countless miles driven, weeks away from home, and the literal blood, sweat, and tears were all worth it to have known Joe and I can say that with extreme confidence.”

- Bobby Rogers, former crew member of The Machine

“While there is so many great memories I have of making music with Joe on stage with The Machine, what makes me smile and laugh out loud when I think of him is our time off stage. Example, long drive home from a gig, which by the way was something Joe obsessed about. Didn’t matter where we were or how long the drive was, he was determined to drive home and not stop to rest. I remember him being smitten with the band van that had two gas tanks, he would cherish the moment where he would switch to the auxiliary tank which gave him another 3-4 hours of driving time risking all our lives LOL. Ok, back to my original thought of what makes me laugh, it was our on-going debate which got heated at times, about which snack cake was better, Hostess or Little Debbie’s…. Needless to say, I always lost. His incredible fast thinking mind and his passion for Little Debbies and of course his, “Enough said, I win” attitude always the leader. A great human on and off stage! I am sure he is snacking with the best of them in a better place.”

- Marc “Bubby” Zimmerman, former member of The Machine

“This gentle lovely person isn't here anymore and it feels so strange.

I met Joe when I was asked to informally audition for singing "Great Gig In The Sky" with The Machine years ago. He was immediately warm, welcoming and supportive. I began to play gigs with them, coming out for this one big song. I clearly remember Joe's sweet face in the middle of the dimly lit foggy stage, smiling me on as he hunched over to play his lead-in part on pedal steel. He was so psyched.

I would travel with them and have a blast. So much laughing and silliness. "I'm Gonna Rub this Sandwich on Your Neck" was a hit we wrote in the car. Joe was often Papa Bear, driving the whole pack of us. Because he was this soft, sensitive man, somehow it felt extra satisfying to make him laugh. Over the years, we related a lot on that sensitivity in life, and our conversations really touched me. I felt seen and understood with Joe. He reached out to me a few years ago to sing on a recording of a Christmas song he had written many years before that was important to him. I felt really honored to be a part of it.

There's a feeling of potent intensity to this loss because seeing someone with such skill repeatedly perform in their element feels SO alive. and so intimate. I know many people are feeling that right now. He touched so many. In a world where everything can feel so brash and loud and "look at me," Joe had such an unobtrusive, calm presence that had its own kind of special force that snuck up and grabbed you. It's my favorite kind. I loved his voice.

Joe impacted me in this life. I'm grateful that I got to spend time with him, sing alongside him, and experience such a unique and wonderful person. Sending love to the people who loved him.”

- Michele Zayla, singer and collaborator

“Joe was always the coolest guy in the room, a legend, and a true artist. He was a mentor and father figure. He was absurdly sarcastic and had a one of a kind sense of humor. He was so fun to be around. He dedicated his life to bringing happiness all around the world through music that he played from his heart and soul. I’m thankful for having known him and for being a part of bringing his amazing talents and gifts to so many people around the country.”

- Ben Kelly, former Tour Manager for The Machine

“Joe was truly a special person. Not just because he was hugely talented but also because he experienced things so deeply, honestly, and openly. You felt it every time you spoke to him, and the audience - whether it was their first show or their hundredth - felt it every time he went on stage. Thank you, Joe, for sharing your talents and yourself with us. We are all richer for having known you.”

- Bruce Houghton, President of Skyline Artists Agency and agent for The Machine

“Joe Pascarell, although your talent and reliance was immeasurable, it was that twinkle in your eye, the way you made people feel seen and special, your enormous sense of humor, sharp wit, deep philosophical brain, and kind, sensitive soul that will leave an everlasting mark on my heart. It was an honor sharing the stage with you on and off for 25 years. I will never forget our conversations, road trips, your light and every, and the reassuring smile you always gave me during the slide guitar intro on Great Gig in the Sky. Shine on, Joe.”

- Nina Setaro, singer and collaborator of The Machine

“Getting to share space with Joe in this life was a gift: on stage, in our many logged hours of travel, in conversation, in contemplation, basking in sarcasm, inside jokes, and curmudgeonly dialogue, reveling in a shared adoration of music, film, and culture. Joe brought insight and delight to his craft and his relationships. His sensitivity, connectivity, depth, and kindness was so keenly observed and received. I particularly cherished the encores of The Machine sets, when we’d perform “Comfortably Numb”. The opportunity to meld my voice with his in passionate harmony and then build to climactic finale where Joe’s guitar and spirit would wail and sail. The energy of our collective was so potently reflected in his elation for the music and communion of the moment. These memories are forever embossed upon my heart.”

- Abby Ahmad, singer and collaborator of The Machine

“Some of my favorite moments with Joe were the moments that I shared with him on stage.  Joe’s presence on stage was beautiful and I just remember him being so lit up at every performance and smiling with complete and utter joy.  He truly embraced the moment and shared his gift wholeheartedly with the audience.  He really appreciated what I brought to the table and always made sure that I knew that and I feel like he did that with everyone in his life.  Connecting with him on stage through improvisation and trading solos was deep and it’s something that I will never forget. Joe was special, he brought everyone to a higher level on stage and off.”

- Jon Thompson, saxophonist and collaborator of The Machine

“Joe and I talked about cars, motorcycles and chess. Of course Joe loved his Porches. He once told me about getting a ticket for going 130 in a 30. At that time I had a Ducati and talked about finding the right way to lean into turns. I said the bike keeps giving back the harder I pushed it. Joe said: "Yeah it keeps giving back until it doesn't!" Well I found that limit last October & all I could think of was Joe.”

- Randy Taber, former Tour Manager of The Machine

“Got knocked for a loop with the news that my childhood friend, one of the few other people who always knew they were going to be a musician, Joe Pascarell, is no longer with us. I don’t know what happened and maybe will never ask.

Joe was a founder of the Pink Floyd cover band, The Machine They sounded so much like Floyd… I did a few gigs with them for the 25th anniversary of Dark Side of The Moon. Two things amazed me about him then.

He had an idea to let me really solo on a song and we listened to it during a long drive out to Pittsburgh (my first time ever playing there). He stopped the recording almost in shock. He had been playing it so long that he was playing electric, instead of acoustic, with all kinds of effects, but it didn’t matter because he had gotten to the point where he still sounded exactly like David Gilmour.

And he sang lead as well. In fact, that night the crowd was really rowdy, even before we played a note. They were screaming at us as we took the stage… not with us. Joe came out, like a Buddha, and without saying a word, silenced the crowd and held them, astounded, for the entire night.

I’ve played with a lot of people, including Roger Waters, Dylan etc. I’ve never seen anyone silence a crowd of thousands like he could. Impeccable, insightful player, and a sweet man. You don’t have to be famous, you just have to be great at what you do. He will be missed.

This is for you, Joe, since I learned it from you. Shine On, brother!

- Erik Lawrence, saxophonist and friend of The Machine and Joe Pascarell

It was Thursday – January 20th, 2022. Nita and I had just returned a few days before from the country of Jordan, where we were assessing the condition of my mom (who has lived in the Wadi Rum desert for 26 years); and we had been invited by our dear friends Mary & Paul to have dinner, tell stories, and decompress. We were on our way – in the car – when I got the call from my old friend Ryan Ball. “I don’t know if you heard”, he said, “but Joe Pascarell has left the planet.”

At dinner I was kind of in a state of shock…although Joe P (Jeep as he was known by his friends) and I hadn’t spoken much in the last few years, I still considered him to be a great friend – built from working with him and the other members of The Machine, week in and week out, for the better part of a full 10 years.

Joe was an extraordinary human being, and I learned a lot from him, in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. It was through Joe that I first understood the concept of “never take anything personally”, something that has saved me a lot of angst over the years, and the concept of “if it’s bothering you, you’re not ignoring it hard enough” – usually applied to medical conditions, and taken with a grain of salt and a chuckle.

We shared more than a few interests, discovered on long car rides home from gigs (for which Joe almost always drove). Physics was one – he knew a lot about current concepts in theoretical physics and we would discuss them at length on those car rides home, late at night. He introduced me to the famous “Feynman lectures”, and we talked a lot about the concepts of time and gravity.

Mozart was another. I had grown up in a house where classical music was played – on the stereo, and on the piano – by my father. But the focus was always on Beethoven, his contemporaries, and successors. Somehow, I missed Mozart entirely, except in the periphery. Joe corrected that for me, and in fact I went overboard in the other direction – I couldn’t listen to any other composers for many years. My obsession has subsided, but I now proudly add Mozart to my consciousness and repertoire. Joe would talk about Mozart’s music and his life (if you know about it, you know – otherwise I strongly suggest learning about him), and the fact that his music was simply ‘heard’, intact, in his head. Mozart’s scores have no corrections (with a few exceptions), and he wrote close to 600 pieces of music, dying at age 31. (To this day I listen to certain pieces of Mozart’s music to “prepare my mind” for improvising, especially for Dance Classes, where a fountain of simple melody is required.) My love of Mozart will be forever linked with my memories of Joe.

Probably the most important connection, and in retrospect the most obvious one, was Joe’s love of Synthesis – specifically Modular Synthesis, and not this teeny-tiny Eurorack stuff (as lovely as it is). Joe was into massive modular instruments – Serge, Moog, and his personal favorite, the Buchla. The first time I ever got to really work with a Buchla was sitting next to Joe at his house. I grew up with synths – the Modular Moog (Switched On Bach); keyboard-based analogs by Moog, Arp and Roland, the semi-modular ARP 2600, and others. But I never took to pure modular the way many people have, Joe among them. He could craft serious breathing vibrating sounds that were more than just interesting – they were electronic compositions. Joe showed me around the design and tech of the Buchla design, include circular sequences, optical gates (can you say “squelchy??’), voltage controlled LFOs and Envelope generators with cycles of up to 5 minutes (that’s WAY long – 15 seconds is considered long by most standards), and other goodies include a mysterious module called “the Source of Uncertainty”. Good times were had, and we even managed a performance or 2 of pure electronic music.

It’s hard to quantify just how much of an influence and effect Joe had on my life. Suffice to say that I am a better person for having known and worked with him, and I shall always keep the memory of his warm smile and commanding presence alive in my heart. Goodspeed, Jeep.

- Neil Alexander (Nail), musician and former member of The Machine