The Best of Joe Pass- The Pacific Jazz Years

Although this CD sticks to Joe Pass’ early period and cannot be accurately called “The Best,” it does feature the guitarist in prime form. Rarest among the selections are three numbers from Pass’ debut, Sounds of Synanon. In addition, the guitarist is heard on four selections from his classic For Django date; he performs “More” from a movie theme record and “But Beautiful” from his Catch Me date; and he makes guest appearances with Gerald Wilson’s big band, Richard Groove Holmes and Les McCann. Although sticking much more to single-note lines than he would in his later Pablo days, Joe Pass was already instantly recognizable and a major (if at the time underrecognized) guitarist. Worth picking up. – Scott Yanow