Search - Joe Pass :: Virtuoso

Most listened to cd

Bob Toddler | Columbus OH USA | 10/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After nearly 7 years after first discovering this cd, I simply cannot get over the brilliance of this recording. Writing a critical review of this album is something that cannot be done by me. The bottom line is that the sounds that Mr. Pass produces is astonishing. I suppose it can be said that he is a "virtuoso", which he obviously is, or that he displays superlative technical skill, which he obviously does. But something else happens with this recording, as well as many of his others that can't be described. "Virtuoso" gets better with each and every listen, doesn't matter which track is heard, beginning to end is something I wind up doing even when not intended. Cant recommend this highly enough."

Just like being there

Personne | Rocky Mountain West | 12/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was privileged to hear Joe Pass play live, just about the time this album made him more visible to the world. This sounds and feels like that live event. The core of each tune is obviously worked-out and rehearsed, but then there is an improvisational flight of fancy around that core. Joe was fearless; in many spots you'll hear a note that was JUST missed, or an open string that wasn't damped. In many other places you'll hear him get into places you don't know how he'll escape. It's to his credit that all those moments remain in this CD. Without them, you lose the excitement of the experience.



But this is the essence of live jazz. It's about risky situations. The tunes are uncontested classics, and it's clear Joe Pass knows them inside and out. And 'out' is where he takes them."

Perhaps the most inspiring guitarist after Wes.

Tom Z | Buffalo, NY | 01/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This a legendary album that ranks Joe Pass as one of the greatest and often underrated guitarists that ever lived. (Who else could back up Ella Fitzgerald solo?????)



I went to the Fredonia School of Music in 1991 only to be told in a critiquing class that Joe was "faking it"!!! I quickly realized that the classical guys there were absolutely clueless. I would never mock the classical cats ever, I just couldn't figure out how it didn't sound good to them. Well, I still play 3 nights a week and they don't, go figure. This is the CD that started it and kept me into jazz guitar."