Violins, cellos, violas, and piano interpret the ten of
Billy Joel's biggest hits on this instrumental string tribute. The violin usually takes the vocal line, like on "Big Shot" or the more rhythmic "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." But "Piano Man" moves more gracefully -- this version wouldn't be out of place in a chamber quartet's wedding repertoire. There are prettier songs in
Joel's catalog than "Only the Good Die Young," songs that would sound better transformed into instrumentals for strings. But
String Quartet Tribute to Billy Joel still offers die-hard fans a new look at some of the veteran songwriter's best-known songs. ~ Johnny Loftus