Customer Reviews

The Best of Joe Pass

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are very few people that can sit down without a band and play guitar well enough to demand listening. Joe Pass is such a master. Five of the eight songs on this album are just that, Pass and his guitar. He is able to mix his soloing and chords with subtle ease. His fingers blaze on the neck of the guitar, but his solos tell more than just an idea - they tell a story.

The first solo piece on this album is high-energy "How High the Moon". If you're a guitar buff, you will be amazed at this song. His linear melody is never lost, even when he is fretting entire chords. It's impossible to believe that there are not two guitars, or an overdub going on here, but it's all Pass in one take. He then mellows out with the soft and sweet "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?". "Que Que Ha!" gives you a feel of what Pass can do in a band situation, and he does play well with others. He fits right in with the band for this Brazilian sounding tune. The album closes with "On Green Dolphin Street", a very strong tune that will leave you wondering how he keeps his fingers from becoming tangled.

The nice thing about "Best of" albums is getting a wide range of music of the artist's career without having to buy all the albums at once. This is no exception as there are only two songs that came from the same album here. This way you can hear Pass' solo work and get a taste of him playing with others. He is truly one of jazz greats.

Being the prolific jazz musician that he is, Joe Pass has a musical collection that is vast and diverse. It can thus be hard to find an appropriate sampling of his repertoire that is both fulfilling and indicitive of his range as one of the "jazz greats."

This CD is one such sampling. It is an essential collection of some of Pass's best works, and provides both a new and seasoned listener of Joe Pass and jazz music in general with a treat for the ears. For those bored with the "smooth" or trendy genre jazz formats that tend to dominate the airwaves these days, "The Best of Joe Pass" is a set of classics that sound amazingly fresh and new.

A guitar genius. A must-have album for any jazz lover as well as any guitar player.

I have been a huge Joe Pass fan from the beginning since I had first heard his virtuoso playing. I have only seen him play live once of course many years ago when Herb Ellis and Joe were on the same bill and what a pleasure to watch, witness and listen with much content. Joe sat there playing with his cigar stub sticking out of his mouth and his bottle of gin sitting on the floor next to his chair. I think I was around 20-21 years old at the time and man I was in heaven. And at that time I was this big blues and blues rock fan guy at the time. Were talking later 60's now. This was the beginning of the jazz guitar world (jazz in general) for me and what a pleasant introduction and haven't look back since. For 8 bucks you can not go wrong with this CD. I myself really love all the older jazz from Wes, Miles, Oscar, Tal, Kenny, Charlie etc etc and the list goes on and on. If you are lover of pure clean older unadulterated jazz, buy this one and add it to your collection.

I know this is a lofty claim, but I believe Joe's construction of songs surpasses that of those before and after him, and this album demonstrates this completely. It is a good primer for those just getting into jazz, also. Joe has to be the most mellow player I have ever heard. When I think of true, smooth jazz, this is it. A virtuoso indeed.

'The Best of Joe Pass: Pacific Jazz Years' is a piquant assortment of some of Mr. Pass's formidable playing as presented in more standard-length instrumental songs (songs averaging about 3-4 minutes a piece). Most of the songs include band accompaniement, although there are a few solo tracks which prove very impressive.

The CD starts off fast and tight with 'C.E.D.' (the fundamental chords of this compostion), then goes on to explore the various moods and precise techinques Mr. Pass has applied to the jazz guitar.

There is perhaps no better CD to play while in a round of billiards, for the upbeat tempos and urban soundscapes Mr. Pass weaves echo in perfect counterpoint to the sounds of snapping sticks and the racking of pool balls.

The recording quality is very clean, and gets right to the heart of the genuine virtuosity as displayed by one of jazz guitar's all time best- Mr. Joe Pass. 'Thanks Joe'.

Even though guitar players like Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen get the limelight, people like Joe Pass really kick butt. Im 15, and my fav guitar player is Jimmy Page, but once you've had enough of hard rock, this is the way to go. The playing is so ingenious, and so mellow. This stuff can put you to sleep. This album has also changed the way I play guitar. I recommend this CD to anybody who loves guitar playing, whether it be hardcore metal or B.B. King.

I agree w/the previous review. I was blown away by this CD the first time I heard it and I've about worn out my copy on tape. Joe Pass played the guitar as warm and smoothly as anyone I have ever heard. His version of Satin Doll is my favorite cut. If you enjoy jazz guitar or great music in general this CD is a must for your collection.