Joe Pass

Joe Pass - Appassionato (1991) {Pablo-Carrere Music 9031-75811-2}
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© 1991 Pablo Records / Carrere Music | 9031-75811-2
Jazz / Bop / Guitar

Guitarist Joe Pass reunited with the same musicians he had used on his classic 1963 album For Django for this relaxed exploration of a dozen jazz standards: rhythm guitarist John Pisano, bassist Jim Hughart and drummer Colin Bailey. Alternating romps with ballads, Pass is in typically fine form throughout with "Relaxin' at Camarillo," "Red Door" and "That's Earl, Brother" receiving rare revivals. This CD is one of literally dozens of worthy Joe Pass Pablo recordings.

Joe Pass - Simplicity (1967) {2011 Japan 24-bit Remaster} [Jazz Masterpiece Best & More 999 Series]
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© 1967, 2011 World Pacific Records / EMI Music Japan | TOCJ-50234
Jazz / Hard Bop / Guitar

One of our favorite albums by guitarist Joe Pass, rather spare, featuring Joe in a very intimate setting – guitar with little other backing, save for light percussion, and some occasional instrumentation, like vibes or organ. The mood is very gentle, which is perfect for Pass' light touch on the strings – and the selection of tracks makes for a lovely blend of modes that show Joe at his expressive best. Titles include "Luciana", "You & Me", "The Gentle Rain", "Some Time Ago", "Nobody Else But Me", and "Where Was I".

Long considered a classic, guitarist Joe Pass' fourth date as a leader finds him performing music that was composed by Django Reinhardt, was part of his repertoire, or is one of two more recent tributes (John Lewis' "Django" and Pass' "For Django"). Pass is joined by the rhythm guitar of John Pisano, bassist Jim Hughart, and drummer Colin Bailey; the quartet would reunite in the 1980s. Although Pass was actually more strongly influenced by Charlie Christian than by Reinhardt and he had already formed his own style, he has no difficulty fitting into the music. Highlights include "Rosetta," "Nuages," and "Limehouse Blues."

Joe Pass - Virtuoso #4 (1973) {2CD Set, Pablo PACD-2640-102-2 rel 1993}
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© 1973, 1993 Pablo Records / Fantasy | PACD-2640-102-2
Jazz / Cool / Bop / Mainstream Jazz / Guitar

Joe Pass became famous with his unaccompanied guitar showcase on Virtuoso, the beginning of a very notable series. However, this double CD (a reissue of a 1983 double LP plus three new performances) actually preceded the first Virtuoso by a month and differed in that Pass exclusively chose to play acoustic guitar, rather than electric. The relatively little-known set finds the guitarist sounding very much like a self-sufficient orchestra, and although his tone is necessarily softer on acoustic than electric, he swings hard on the uptempo pieces. Among the many highlights are "Indian Summer," "My Shining Hour," "I'll Remember April" and "Limehouse Blues."

A significant recording, as this is Joe Pass' debut on vinyl. It was recorded while Pass was still a patient at the Synanon Drug Center in California. Made with fellow patients, Pass proved to be a star. It is interesting to note that Pass played an electric solid-body rock guitar, as he did not even own a guitar at this time. His legendary chops are especially evident on "Projections" and "Hang Tough," featuring some of his cleanest playing ever recorded. His accompanists prove to be adequate, but hardly approach the genius of Pass. A landmark recording in the history of jazz guitar.

Joe Pass recorded so many solo sets for Pablo during the 1970s and '80s that hearing him in a quartet format almost seemed unusual. For this CD reissue, he is joined by his old friend rhythm guitarist John Pisano, bassist Jim Hughart and drummer Shelly Manne for 11 songs by the team of George and Ira Gershwin. The melodies are quite familiar ("Bidin' My Time" is the closest one to an obscurity), and few surprises occur, but the music swings and the results are quite enjoyable. No matter how times one hears "Lady Be Good," "A Foggy Day," "'S Wonderful" and "Embraceable You," there is always room for another superior version.

This edition contains all 1962 collaborations by Joe Pass and pianist Les McCann, who would continue working together the following year. Their 1962 output consists of their participation on Richard “Groove” Holmes LP "Somethin' Special" and on McCann's own album "On Time". Both records appear here in their entirety, as well as two tracks from the second LP that were not included on the original album. As a bonus, the complete LP "Back in Town!". Issued under the name of singer/guitarist Bumble Bee Slim (born Amos Easton), it consisted of two sessions, one featuring Pass, and the other featuring McCann.