Joe Pass Virtuoso 3

As this lavishly boxed, four-CD distillation of his Pablo sessions proves, Joe Pass was probably the guitar-playing equivalent of Art Tatum on the Norman Granz roster – not only for his vast output, but also for the all-encompassing, almost orchestral way in which he got around his instrument. The set is divided equally into four sections – disc one for his astounding solo electric and acoustic guitar sides, disc two for studio recordings with various groups, disc three for various live recordings solo and with groups, disc four the delicate Ella Fitzgerald and other duo partner sessions and quartet pieces backing Sarah Vaughan…

Concert Clinic Interview. An evening with Joe Pass is a very special 90-minute instructional and performance DVD by this legendary jazz guitarist. A camera crew spent the day with Joe as he visited Musicians Institute for a concert and clinic. You'll sit in during the sound check and watch Joe run through some standards in the pre-concert rehearsal with bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Joe Porcaro. Later, host and fellow guitarist Don Mock talks with Joe about his incredible 50-year career.At concert time, Joe walks on stage to an enthusiastic and packed house. The trio performs many jazz classics including 'Satin Doll,' 'All the Things You Are,' and 'You Don't Know What Love Is.'

This posthumous CD is novel because it features Joe Pass exclusively on acoustic guitar, and it is obvious that he enjoyed every minute of these sessions. "The Shadow of Your Smile" is no longer easy listening fodder, as Pass turns it into a miniature master class in swing. "Star Eyes" is accented by the soft squeaks of Pass' fingers gently weaving their intricate magic. Most of the works of Joe Pass tended to be improvised blues, so the title track is an exception – a simple yet elegant ballad written for his wife. "Blues for Angel" highlights his matchless mastery of slow blues. The boppish blues "Satellite Village" is a perfect closer. The good news is that there are several more unreleased sessions by Joe Pass that will follow this superb collection.