NDR BIGBAND — Bravissimo : 50 Years NDR Big Band (1996) Serie : The World Greatest Jazz Orchestras – II | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"An excellent cross-section of the music of one of the best jazz orchestras in Europe" - (DER SPIEGEL) ACT
Tracklist :
1    The Cat 6:04
Arranged By – Horst Mühlbradt
Written-By – J.Griffin
2    Blue Monk 7:14
Arranged By – Stan Tracey
Written-By – T.Monk
3    Voodoo Chile 5:17
Arranged By – Howard Johnson
Written-By – J.Hendrix
4    Sagma 5:19
Arranged By – Joki Freund
Written-By – H.Sauer
5    Night In Tunesia 9:27
Arranged By – Horst Mühlbradt
Written-By – D.Gillespie
6    Take The A-Train 4:22
Arranged By – Steve Gray
Written-By – B.Strayhorn
7    Supraconductivity 5:30
Arranged By – Joki Freund
Written-By – A.Mangelsdorff
8    Sister Sadie
Arranged By – Lex Jasper
Written-By – Horace Silver
9    Mood Indigo
Arranged By – Hans Hammerschmid
Written-By – D.Ellington
10    Django
Arranged By – Horst Mühlbradt
Written-By – J.Lewis
11    Descent
Arranged By – Ralf Hübner
Written-By – Ch. Lauer
12    Country Roads
Arranged By – Michael Gibbs
Written-By – B.Burton
Credits :
NDR Bigband conducted by Dieter Glawischnig
except #3 - Rob Pronk, #8 - Jiggs Wigham, #12 - Michael Gibbs

CARMEN McRAE — The Great American Songbook (1972) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On this popular two-LP set, singer Carmen McRae interprets songs by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Michel Legrand, Warren & Dubin, Henry Mancini, and Jimmy Van Heusen, among others, but it is her rendition of a humorous Jimmy Rowles novelty ("The Ballad of Thelonious Monk") that is best remembered. Joined by pianist Rowles, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Chuck Domanico, and drummer Chuck Flores, McRae had what was at the time a rare opportunity to record a live, spontaneous, jazz-oriented set. She sounds quite enthusiastic about both her accompaniment and the strong repertoire, which includes "At Long Last Love," "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Sunday," "I Cried for You," and "I Thought About You." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Satin Doll 4'34
Duke Ellington / Johnny Mercer / Billy Strayhorn
2     At Long Last Love 2'27
Cole Porter
3     If the Moon Turns Green 4'22
Paul Coates / Bernie Hanighen
4     Day by Day 2'22
Sammy Cahn / Axel Stordahl / Paul Weston
5     What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? 4'14
Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Michel Legrand
6     I Only Have Eyes for You 4'12
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
7     Medley: Easy Living/The Days of Wine and Roses/It's Impossible 9'14
Henry Mancini / Armando Manzanero / Johnny Mercer / Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin / Sid Wayne
8     Sunday 4'10
Chester Conn / Benny Krueger / Ned Miller / Jule Styne
9     A Song for You 4'46
Leon Russell
10     I Cried for You 2'21
Gus Arnheim / Arthur Freed / Abe Lyman
11     Behind the Face 2'44
Jimmy Rowles
12     The Ballad of Thelonious Monk 3'29
Jimmy Rowles
13     There's No Such Thing as Love 5'00
Ian Fraser / Anthony Newley
14     (They Long to Be) Close to You 4'37
Burt Bacharach / Hal David
15     Three Little Words 1'58
Bert Kalmar / Harry Ruby
16     Mr. Ugly 4'00
Norman Mapp
17     It's Like Reaching for the Moon 2'53
Al Lewis / Gerald Marqusee / Al Sherman
18     I Thought About You 3'54
James Van Heusen / Johnny Mercer
Credits :
Bass – Chuck Domanico
Drums – Chuck Flores
Guitar – Joe Pass
Piano – Jimmy Rowles

ELLA FITZGERALD AND JOE PASS — Easy Living (1986-2011) RM | Original Jazz Classics Remasters Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For her third duo recording with guitarist Joe Pass, Ella Fitzgerald swings 15 mostly familiar standards that range from "My Ship" and "Don't Be That Way" to "Why Don't You Do Right?" and "On a Slow Boat to China." Although her voice was visibly fading, Fitzgerald's charm and sense of swing were still very much present. But this CD is not one of her more significant recordings, other than being one of the final chapters. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :

1 My Ship 4:24

2 Don't Be That Way 2:58

3 My Man 3:28

4 Don't Worry 'Bout Me 4:38

5 Days Of Wine And Roses 3:03

6 Easy Living 4:14

7 I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You 6:03

8 Love For Sale 4:38

9 Moonlight In Vermont 4:20

10 On Green Dolphin Street 3:27

11 Why Don't You Do Right? 2:56

12 By Myself 3:25

13 I Want A Little Girl 2:46

14 I'm Making Believe 2:37
15 On A Slow Boat To China 5:05
– BONUS TRACK –
16 Don't Be That Way (Take 3, Alternate)    3:12
17 Love For Sale (Take 1, Alternate)    4:27
Credits :
Guitar – Joe Pass
Vocals – Ella Fitzgerald

DIZZY GILLESPIE · JOE PASS · RAY BROWN · MICKEY ROCKER — Dizzy's Big 4 (1975-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dizzy Gillespie omits a piano on these 1974 sessions, but it is never missed due to the potent rhythm section supplied by guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Mickey Roker. Starting with the inspired, occasionally funky Latin-flavored "Frelimo" (which features the leader on both muted and open trumpet), Gillespie is in top form. His deliberate treatment of the forgotten chestnut "Hurry Home" is a lyrical gem, while the breezy setting of the standard "Russian Lullaby" bubbles with excitement. But the fireworks take place in the rapid-fire performance of Gillespie's "Be Bop (Dizzy's Fingers)," in which Pass seems to play at an impossible tempo. Just as much fun is the sassy, intricate interpretation of the trumpeter's blues "Birk's Works," powered by Brown's potent bass, along with the hip updated treatment of Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz." This is easily one of Dizzy Gillespie's best small-group recordings from the latter portion of his career. Ken Dryden           Tracklist + Credits :

ZOOT SIMS - Zoot Sims and the Gershwin Brothers (1975-2013) RM | Original Jazz Classics Remasters | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Along with his album with Count Basie (Basie and Zoot) during the same period, this is one of Sims' most exciting recordings of his career. Greatly assisted by pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Grady Tate, he explores ten songs written by George and Ira Gershwin. Somehow the magic was definitely present and, whether it be stomps such as "The Man I Love," "Lady Be Good," and "I Got Rhythm" or warm ballads (including "I've Got a Crush on You" and "Embraceable You"), Zoot Sims is heard at the peak of his powers. A true gem. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     The Man I Love 6:26
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
2     How Long Has This Been Going On? 2:16
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
3     Oh, Lady Be Good 4:37
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
4     I've Got a Crush on You 3:01
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
5     I Got Rhythm 7:09
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
6     Embraceable You 4:52
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
7     'S Wonderful 4:40
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
8     Someone to Watch over Me 3:46
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
9     Isn't It a Pity? 3:27
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin    
10     Summertime 5:25
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
- BONUS TRACKS - (Not On Original Album)
11    They Can't Take That Away From Me (Bonus Track)    4:37
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
12    Oh, Lady, Be Good! (Take 2, Alternate)    4:30
13    I've Got A Crush On You (take 5, Alternate)    3:00
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Grady Tate
Guitar – Joe Pass
Piano – Oscar Peterson
Producer – Norman Granz
Remastered By – Joe Tarantino
Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims

ZOOT SIMS PLUS JOE PASS - "Blues for 2" (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although guitarist Joe Pass recorded many unaccompanied solo albums, he made relatively few dates as part of a duo. This CD reissue of a session with tenor-saxophonist Joe Pass works quite well because Zoot Sims was a natural swinger who did not need a full rhythm section to push him. His playing on the selections (mainly standards including "Dindi," "Poor Butterfly," "Pennies From Heaven" and "I Hadn't Anyone Till You") is as heated and lyrical as usual. Pass also warms up quickly to the situation (Sims must have been easy to accompany) and takes many fine solos of his own. The pair collaborated on the opening "Blues for 2" and "Takeoff" which wraps up the highly enjoyable set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Blues for 2 4:58
Joe Pass / Zoot Sims   
2     Dindi 4:22
Ray Gilbert / Antônio Carlos Jobim   
3     Pennies from Heaven 7:39
Johnny Burke / Arthur Johnston   
4     Poor Butterfly 4:59
John Golden / Raymond Hubbell   
5     Black and Blue 5:57
Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller   
6     I Hadn't Anyone Till You 5:59
Ray Noble   
7     Takeoff 4:10
Joe Pass / Zoot Sims   
8     Remember 5:30
Irving Berlin
Credits :
Zoot Sims - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones
Joe Pass - Guitar

BENNY CARTER | DIZZY GILLESPIE - Carter, Gillespie, Inc. (1976) lp | 32bits-96hz | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Although they were from different musical generations (Benny Carter was born ten years before Dizzy Gillespie), it is little wonder that the swing altoist and the bop trumpeter could match up so well on this sextet session; they were quite compatible. Surprisingly, the material they chose to perform could have been better (there is only one Carter composition among the six songs) but on "Broadway" and "A Night in Tunisia," the two veteran hornmen (along with pianist Tommy Flanagan and guitarist Joe Pass) sound at their best. Scott Yanow
Side A :
1     Sweet and Lovely 10:41
Gus Arnheim / Jules LeMare (Chas. N. Daniels) / Harry Tobias    
2     Broadway 7:48     
Billy Bird / Teddy McRae / Henry J. Wood    
3     The Courtship 6:29
Benny Carter
Side B :
1     Constantinople 8:57
Dizzy Gillespie    
2     Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen 9:08
Traditional    
3     A Night in Tunisia 8:26
Dizzy Gillespie / Frank Paparelli
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter
Bass – Al McKibbon
Drums, Vocals – Mickey Roker
Guitar – Joe Pass
Piano – Tommy Flanagan
Producer – Norman Granz
Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie

BENNY CARTER - Meets Oscar Peterson (1986-1995) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

What would in any other instance be a potent Jazz at the Philharmonic meeting of the minds, the pairing of Oscar Peterson and Benny Carter in the studio turns out to be a neat and trim session of mutual respect between these two titans of American music. Six standards and a blues jam has Peterson deferring to Carter's alto sax in most instances, as the horn takes the lead with Peterson happy to follow. Guitarist Joe Pass seems an afterthought on most of this material, while Toronto bassist Dave Young and British drummer Martin Drew turn in a reliable and steady rhythmic performance. Young is particularly inspired, with big shoes to fill treading footprints of the brilliant Peterson at the time, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, and is more than up to the task. Considering his age (almost 80,) Carter sounds splendid, as lyrical as ever, and with a slight hint of vibrato or legato inflections and flourishes. He sure sounds sweet, whether sighing for "Sweet Lorraine," combining cool and animated lines during the simple "It's a Wonderful World," or paralleling "Melancholy Baby" on "Whispering." Only for "Just Friends" does Peterson lead out, and brilliantly as usual, extrapolating his heart out, with Carter in late as Peterson quotes "Moose the Mooch." Pass does congeal with Peterson in distinguished classy phrases for "Baubles, Bangles & Beads" with Carter using upper register embellishments, while Pass is the leader on a balanced read of "If I Had You." The CD ends with a made up "Some Kind of Blues," with Peterson flying as only he can, setting up classic solos from Pass and Carter. This is a sturdy album, spectacular in spots, consistently tasteful, and swinging from top to bottom. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1     Just Friends 6:37
John Klenner / Sam M. Lewis    
2     Sweet Lorraine 6:46
Clifford R. Burwell / Mitchell Parish    
3     Baubles, Bangles and Beads 8:13
Alexander Borodin / George Forrest / Robert Wright
4     It's a Wonderful World 6:30
Harold Adamson / Jan Savitt / John Kluczko Watson / Johnny Watson    
5     If I Had You 6:43
Jimmy Campbell / Reginald Connelly / Ted Shapiro    
6     Whispering 4:50
Richard Coburn / Doris Fisher / Vincent Rose / John Schoenberger    
7     Some Kind of Blues 4:43     
Benny Carter / Oscar Peterson
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter
Bass – Dave Young
Drums – Martin Drew
Guitar – Joe Pass
Piano – Oscar Peterson
Producer, Liner Notes, Layout, Design – Norman Granz

JOHNNY GRIFFIN - Grab This! (1963-2000) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Grab This! finds tenor Johnny Griffin in a soul-jazz mood, which is greatly aided by the organ of Paul Bryant. They are joined by guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Jimmy Bond, and drummer Doug Sides for nice workouts on several originals and a couple of standards. The band seems confident and relaxed throughout this recording, injecting everything it touches with a healthy dose of the blues. Griffin's tone is rich and full throughout, but is most striking on Ellington and Russell's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and the self-penned original "Grab This!" Bryant has been given special guest status, and his style is perfectly matched with Griffin's. He also wrote the wonderful "Offering Time," a slow blues piece with a strong groove. While Pass' role here is more supportive, he turns in several fine solos, as on "63rd Street Theme" and "Offering Time." What is perhaps most striking about Pass' role here is his versatility: he appears as comfortable playing soul-jazz as he would playing hard bop or swing. Bond and Sides supply the steady rhythm needed to keep this soul-jazz moving along. It's amazing that five guys were able to get together and cut this album for Riverside in one day during the summer of 1962. Like Carmell Jones, Griffin moved to Europe in the '60s, lowering his profile in the United States. Grab This! is a fine album, and serves as a reminder of Griffin's lovely tenor sound. Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.  
Tracklist :
1     Grab This! 6'06
Johnny Griffin
2     63rd Street Theme 5'34
Johnny Griffin
3     Don't Get Around Much Anymore 8'37
Duke Ellington / Bob Russell
4     Offering Time 6'16
Paul Bryant
5     These Foolish Things 6'39
Harry Link / Holt Marvell / Jack Strachey
6     Cherry Float 5'29
Johnny Griffin
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Bond
Drums – Doug Sides
Guitar – Joe Pass
Organ – Paul Bryant
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin

CLARK TERRY | FREDDIE HUBBARD | DIZZY GILLESPIE Plus OSCAR PETERSON, RAY BROWN, JOE PASS, BOBBY DURHAM — The Alternate Blues (1982-1992) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD is a straight reissue of a Pablo LP. Norman Granz teamed together the very distinctive trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard and Clark Terry with pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Bobby Durham for a "Trumpet Summit." This particular release features (with one exception) unissued material from the session. There are four versions of a slow blues (only the fourth was released before), all of which have very different solos from the three trumpeters. In addition they interact on "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" and share the spotlight on a three-song ballad medley; Hubbard's "Here's That Rainy Day" is hard to beat. This release is not quite essential but fans of the trumpeters will want to pick it up. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Alternate One 5'25
Written-By – Durham, Terry, Gillespie, Hubbard, Pass, Peterson, Brown
2    Alternate Two 8'04
Written-By – Durham, Terry, Gillespie, Hubbard, Pass, Peterson, Brown
3    Alternate Three 9'20
Written-By – Durham, Terry, Gillespie, Hubbard, Pass, Peterson, Brown
4    Alternate Four 9'33
Written-By – Durham, Terry, Gillespie, Hubbard, Pass, Peterson, Brown
5    Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams 8'51
Written-By – Moll, Barris, Koehler
6    Ballad Medley    7:27
6.1    Here's That Rainy Day
Written-By – Burke-Van Heusen
6.2    Gypsy
Written-By – Signorelli, Malneck, Gilbert
6.3    If I Should Lose You
Written-By – L. Robin, R. Rainger
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Bobby Durham
Guitar – Joe Pass
Piano – Oscar Peterson
Producer, Liner Notes – Norman Granz
Remastered By [Digital Remastering] – Phil De Lancie
Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard

THE CLARK TERRY FIVE - Memories of Duke (1980-1990) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Flugelhornist Clark Terry and a strong quartet (pianist Jack Wilson, guitarist Joe Pass, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Frank Severino) perform nine songs associated with Duke Ellington, including seven of Ellington's compositions, plus a tune apiece from Billy Strayhorn ("Passion Flower") and Mercer Ellington ("Things Ain't What They Used to Be"). Terry knows these songs, which include "Cottontail," "Come Sunday" and "Sophisticated Lady," backwards, but he infuses each of his renditions with enthusiasm and melodic creativity. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Passion Flower 4'27
Milt Raskin / Billy Strayhorn
2     Happy Go Lucky Local 4'28
Duke Ellington
3     Echoes of Harlem 4'01
Duke Ellington
4     Sophisticated Lady 8'27
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
5     Things Ain't What They Used to Be 5'05
Mercer Ellington / Ted Persons
6     I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart 3'28
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Henry Nemo / John Redmond
7     Cotton Tail 2'16
Duke Ellington
8     Everything But You 7'51
Duke Ellington / Don George / Harry James
9     Come Sunday 2'34
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Frank Severino
Guitar – Joe Pass
Piano – Jack Wilson
Producer – Norman Granz
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Trumpet – Clark Terry

JOE PASS - Sounds of Synanon (1962-2002) MONO / Série : Super Bit Jazz Classics / RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

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. by Robert Taylor
Tracklist :
1 C.E.D. 3:14
Joe Pass / A. Ross
2 Aaron's Song 4:30
Dave Allan
3 Stay Loose 04:22
Arnold Ross
4 Projections 5:10
Greg Dykes
5 Hang Tough 6:30
Joe Pass
6 Self-Image 9:06
Dave Allan
7 Last Call for Coffee 4:43
Arnold Ross
8 Blues 4:36
Credits :
Bass – Ronald Clark (tracks: 1 - 7)
Bongos – Candy Latson (tracks: 1 -7)
Drums – Bill Crawford (tracks: 1 -7), Lawrence Marable (tracks: 8)
Guitar – Joe Pass
Horn [Baritone] – Greg Dykes (tracks: 1 -7)
Organ – Richard "Groove" Holmes (tracks: 8)
Piano – Arnold Ross (tracks: 1 -7)
Trumpet – Dave Allan (tracks: 1 - 7)

 

JOE PASS - For Django (1964-2001) Série : Super Bit Jazz Classics / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

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."  by Scott Yanow

Tracklist :

1     Django   3:22
John Lewis
2     Rosetta    3:07   
Earl Hines / Henri Woode
3     Nuages    2:35    
Jacques Larue / Django Reinhardt
4     For Django  2:55
Joe Pass
5     Night and Day    3:46   
Cole Porter
6     Fleur d'Ennui    2:57  
Django Reinhardt
7     Insensiblement   3:14  
Paul Misraki
8     Cavalerie  4:26   
Django Reinhardt  
9     Django's Castle  3:49 
Django Reinhardt
10     Limehouse Blues    2:14
Philip Braham / Douglas Furber
Credits :
Bass – Jim Hughart
Drums – Colin Bailey
Guitar – Joe Pass, John Pisano

MILT JACKSON / JOE PASS / RAY BROWN - The Big 3 (1976-1994) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This set features a notable pianoless combo: vibraphonist Milt Jackson, guitarist Joe Pass, and bassist Ray Brown. These three masterful players recorded together in many settings during the Pablo years, but only this once as a trio. The colorful repertoire -- ranging from "The Pink Panther" and "Blue Bossa" to "Nuages" and "Come Sunday" -- acts as a device for the musicians to construct some brilliant bop-based solos. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 The Pink Panther 5:52
Milt Jackson / Henry Mancini
2 Nuages 7:26
Django Reinhardt
3 Blue Bossa 5:03
Kenny Dorham
4 Come Sunday 3:12
Duke Ellington
5 Wave 6:50
Antônio Carlos Jobim
6 Moonglow 4:57
Eddie DeLange / Will Hudson / Irving Mills
7 You Stepped Out of a Dream 3:58
Nacio Herb Brown / Gus Kahn
8 Blues for Sammy 6:25
Jackson / Milt Jackson
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Guitar – Joe Pass
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Milt Jackson

JOE PASS — Virtuoso (1973-2007) RM | Serie Jazz The Best Legendary 150 – 100 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

When Joe Pass recorded and released this first of his Virtuoso series of albums, he was 44 years old, and ready to reclaim his crown as king of jazz guitar after years of heroin abuse. As a solo artist playing only acoustic guitar in an amplified fusion era, the odds were stacked against him, but Pass boldly issued this, his most creative and improvisation-based work, to mass critical acclaim and widespread general public sales. The genius of Pass was that he was easily able to retain melodic lines of these standards while adding stretched-out, extrapolated thoughts on the top and bottom of the melodies. On every track, with each passing phrase, modified and extended line or poetic thought, Pass proves his unique style is better than all the rest. On the marvelous "Night & Day," classical-flavored "Stella by Starlight" with no small influence of Andres Segovia, faster than the pounding precipitation and pain of "Here's That Rainy Day," or purely improvised "Cherokee," Pass is at the top of his game. He occasionally concentrates more on the melody for the pensive "'Round Midnight" or the fleet "All the Things You Are," but meets any challenge during a masterful remake of "The Song Is You." There can be no doubt as to the essential nature of this incredible recording, a top five item for any jazz guitarist, one of the great modern-day contemporary albums, and essential listening for any serious music lover -- a must have item. Michael G. Nastos 

Tracklist :

1.  Night and Day 3:34
Cole Porter
2. Stella by Starlight 5:10
Ned Washington / Victor Young
3. Here's That Rainy Day 3:36
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
4. My Old Flame 5:17
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
5. How High the Moon 4:59
Nancy Hamilton / Morgan Lewis
6. Cherokee 3:38
Ray Noble
7. Sweet Lorraine 4:09
Clifford R. Burwell / Mitchell Parish
8. Have You Met Miss Jones? 4:44
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
9. 'Round Midnight 3:38
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
10. All the Things You Are 4:00
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
11. Blues for Alican 5:28
Joe Pass
12. The Song Is You  4:33
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
Credits :
Guitar – Joe Pass

JOE PASS - Virtuoso Nº 2 (1977-1987) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Virtuoso No. 2, the second of Joe Pass' solo guitar albums for Pablo, finds the remarkable Pass exploring more recent standards than one might expect. In addition to a few warhorses, there is also "Feelings" (which he somehow manages to make tolerable), "If," two Chick Corea songs ("Five Hundred Miles High" and "Windows") and even "Giant Steps." Pass' mastery of the guitar is obvious throughout this enjoyable set. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Giant Steps 3:35
John Coltrane
2     Five Hundred Miles High 6:20
Chick Corea
3     Grooveyard 4:46
Carl Perkins
4     Misty 5:25
Johnny Burke / Erroll Garner
5     Joy Spring 5:10
Clifford Brown / Jon Hendricks
6     Blues for O.P. 4:21
Joe Pass
7     On Green Dolphin Street 7:43
Bronislaw Kaper / Ned Washington
8     Windows 5:56
Chick Corea
9     Blues for Basie 3:39
Joe Pass
10     Feelings 3:58
Morris Albert
11     If 5:07
David Gates
12     Limehouse Blues 3:09
Philip Braham / Douglas Furber
Credits :
Guitar – Joe Pass

JOE PASS - Virtuoso Nº 3 (1977-1992) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This LP in Joe Pass' Virtuoso series differs from the others in that the unaccompanied guitarist performs a dozen originals rather than standards. Pass, who had previously mostly composed blues-oriented pieces, proves to be a surprisingly effective composer, even if his song titles (which include "Sevenths," "Ninths," "Dissonance #1," and "Dissonance #2") are not too inspired. There are more ballads than usual in a Pass solo showcase, but there is enough variety to hold one's interest, even if none of these pieces (which includes one called "Paco DeLucia") caught on. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Off Beat 4:47
Joe Pass
2     Trinidad 6:11
Joe Pass
3     Nina's Blues 5:15
Joe Pass / Nina Simone
4     Sevenths 4:12
Joe Pass
5     Ninths 5:21
Joe Pass
6     Dissonance, No. 1 1:53
Joe Pass
7     Minor Detail 6:01
Joe Pass
8     Paco de Lucia 5:52
Joe Pass
9     Sultry 4:25
Joe Pass
10     Passanova 4:22
Joe Pass
11     Pasta Blues 4:36
Joe Pass
12     Dissonance, No. 2 3:04
Joe Pass
Credits :
Guitar – Joe Pass 

JOE PASS - Virtuoso Nº 4 (1973-1993) 2CD / RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Joe Pass became famous with his unaccompanied guitar showcase on Virtuoso, the beginning of a very notable series. However, this 1983 double LP 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." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist 1 :
1     Lush Life 4:55
Billy Strayhorn
2     Indian Summer 3:16
Al Dubin / Victor Herbert
3     Autumn Leaves 5:40
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
4     Yesterday 4:24
John Lennon / Paul McCartney
5     Come Sunday 3:46
Duke Ellington
6     Lover Man 6:18
Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman
7     Come Rain or Come Shine 3:37
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
8     My Shining Hour 4:25
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
9     I'll Remember April 4:55
Gene DePaul / Patricia Johnston / Don Raye
10     Someday My Prince Will Come 3:21
Frank Churchill / Larry Morey
11     Weaselocity 6:54
Joe Pass
Tracklist 2 :
1     Acoustic Blues 6:46
Joe Pass
2     I Can't Get Started 4:10
Vernon Duke / Ira Gershwin
3     It's a Wonderful World 3:20
Harold Adamson / Jan Savitt / Johnny Watson
4     Now's the Time 7:03
Charlie Parker
5     The Man I Love 5:47
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
6     The Nearness of You 4:03
Hoagy Carmichael / Ned Washington
7     Limehouse Blues 4:46
Philip Braham / Douglas Furber
8     Easy Living 6:57
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin
9     Blues for Pete 3:21
Joe Pass
10     What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? 5:28
Alan Bergman / Marilyn Bergman / Michel Legrand
Credits :
Joe Pass - Guitar 

JOE PASS / MILT JACKSON / RAY BROWN / MICKEY ROKER / - Quadrant (1977-1990) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Although guitarist Joe Pass was usually heard in unaccompanied settings during his Pablo years, there were occasional departures. In this case, Pass is teamed in a pianoless quartet with vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Mickey Roker. Considering the musicians involved, it's no surprise that the music always swings. The group performs four originals (including two blues), "Lady Be Good," "The Man I Love," and Carl Perkins' "Grooveyard." Jackson and Pass blend together quite nicely, and their interplay, along with the stimulating support of Brown and Roker, is reason enough for bop collectors to want this. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Concorde 4:14
Joe Pass
2     Joe's Tune 4:28
Joe Pass
3     Oh, Lady Be Good 7:46
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
4     Ray's Tune 4:36
Ray Brown
5     Grooveyard 6:57
Carl Perkins
6     The Man I Love 7:47
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
7     Blues for the Stone 6:16
Milt Jackson
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Mickey Roker
Guitar – Joe Pass
Producer, Layout, Design – Norman Granz
Remastered By [Digital] – Phil De Lancie
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Milt Jackson
 

JOE PASS AND PAULINHO DA COSTA - Tudo Bem! (1978-1985) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

After countless solo guitar albums for Pablo, Joe Pass performed this welcome change of pace, a set of Brazilian tunes. Joined by fellow guitarist Oscar Castro Neves, bassist Octavio Bailly, drummer Claudio Slon, percussionist Paulinho da Costa and keyboardist Don Grusin, Pass plays warm solos on a variety of Brazilian tunes. Highlights include three songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim (including "Corcovado" and "Wave"), Deodato's "Tears," and Luiz Bonfa's "The Gentle Rain." A melodic and infectious date that has been reissued on CD. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Corcovado 6:20
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
2     Tears (Razao de Viver) 3:32
Deodato
3     Wave 10:08
Antônio Carlos Jobim
4     Voce (You) 3:10
Ronaldo Bôscoli / Roberto Menescal
5     If You Went Away 3:04
Marcos Valle
6     Que Que Ha? 4:11
Don Grusin / Octavio Bailly, Jr.
7     The Gentle Rain (Chuva Delicada) 4:11
Luiz Bonfá / Matt Dubey
8     Barquinho 6:11
Ronaldo Bôscoli / Roberto Menescal
9     Luciana 4:55
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees / Vinícius de Moraes
10     I Live to Love 3:20
Oscar Castro-Neves / Luverci Fiorini / Ray Gilbert
Credits :
Bass – Octavio Bailly Jr
Drums – Claudio Slon
Guitar – Joe Pass, Oscar Castro Neves
Keyboards – Don Grusin
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Producer – Norman Granz