





Joe Pass - Virtuoso
Joe Pass - guitar [click here to see more vinyl featuring Joe Pass]
Written by Cole Porter (A1), Victor Young (A2), Jimmy Van Heusen (A3), Arthur Johnston (A4), Morgan Lewis (A5), Ray Noble (A6), Cliff Burwell (B1), Richard Rodgers (B2), Thelonious Monk (B3), Cootie Williams (B3), Jerome Kern (B4, B6), Joe Pass (B5)
1 LP, standard sleeve by Stoughton printing
Original analog Master Tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record Color: Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12"
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Record Technology Incorporated
Label : Craft Recordings Original Jazz Classics Series
Original Label : Pablo
Recorded on August 28, 1973 at MGM Recording Studios, Los Angeles
Engineered by Dennis Sands
Produced by Norman Granz
Mastered and lacquers cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
Liner Notes by Jon Balleras
Sleeve Notes by Benny Green
Photography by Phil Stern
Originally released in December 1973
Reissued in 2025
Tracks:
Side A:
- Night and Day
- Stella by Starlight
- Here's That Rainy Day
- My Old Flame
- How High the Moon
- Cherokee
Side B:
- Sweet Lorraine
- Have You Met Miss Jones
- 'Round Midnight
- All the Things You Are
- Blues for Alican
- The Song Is You
Awards:
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings listed the album as part of its suggested “core collection” of essential recordings
Reviews:
“Virtuoso rewards full immersion and repeat listenings in a way that only the best albums can afford. So, if you are even remotely considering adding this pressing of Virtuoso to your collection, do not hesitate. The playing on Virtuoso is truly gymnastic and yet Joe delivers a visceral, human performance on a mix of traditional and original material. Kevin Gray's fat, uncompressed cut is an ideal way to experience this album. Even simply judged by sonics, this recording is a work of art.” Tracking Angle Review by Brian Fisher
“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.” AllMusic Review by Michael G. Nastos
Ratings:
Allmusic : 5 / 5 ; Discogs: 4.55 / 5 ; Tracking Angle:, Music 10/10, Sound 10/10