Search - Joe Pass :: Virtuoso

The definitive solo jazz guitar album

MDC | 08/19/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The back story of Joe Pass is compelling and fascinating. Virtuoso was released in 1974, but it was by no means Pass' first album. Pass lingered in relative obscurity for many years prior to then, due in part no doubt to drug addiction. But those demons were overcome and Norman Granz, the ubiquitous producer of many great jazz albums, in an act of inspiration put Mr. Pass in front of a mike, alone, and let his talent speak for the ages. The results, "Virtuoso", sky rocketed Pass to adulation, attention and the top of Down Beat lists of the best guitarist thereafter.

The songs are generally of tried and true standards (Stella By Starlight and 'Round Midnight for example) and one Pass composition, Blues for Alican.

This is the quintessential solo jazz album; inspired, technically great and innovative. You can clearly hear the influence of Django Reinhardt, but Pass definitely has his own voice. This is the Pass album to have, no doubt about it.

As a side note, this album has been remastered under the "Original Jazz Classics" series. Thus the sound quality is crisp and fresh. I would recommend any in this series, but some, such as this Pass album, certainly are more note worthy."