AN ARTIST’S CRAFT

After reading Steve Pond’s review of Billy Joel’s “The Bridge” (Record Rack, Aug. 10), just one day after listening to the album for the first time, I find that Pond’s appellation of Joel as simply a “pop craftsman” severely limits both the critic’s and his public’s perspective and appreciation of Joel’s work.

Through his songs, we can trace Billy Joel’s maturation as a craftsman, an artist and a human being. The raw talent and impetuousness of his youth have been refined. He’s now a little older, a little smoother and more at peace with himself, closer to finding what we all seek: contentment, satisfaction and happiness through work and family. The best craftsmen, like Billy Joel, are also artists.

DAVID N. BRUSKIN

Los Angeles