JOE PASS
Simplicity/A Sign Of The Times (Euphoria)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Much of the Euphoria catalog consists of albums by often overlooked "guitarist's guitarists" like Howard Roberts and George Van Eps, but in some cases, such as this one, they offer some often overlooked albums by guitar legends, in this case Joe Pass.

Matching a pair of albums that Pass recorded for World Pacific Records in the mid-sixties, this disc shows Pass in dramatically contrasting settings. The appropriately named Simplicity comes first, though it followed A Sign Of The Times chronologically. Simplicity is Pass in a variety of small group settings, playing jazz ballads in a distinctly romantic mode. Some of the guitarist's best known, and simply best, work was done in small groups with Oscar Peterson, or solo behind the voice of Ella Fitzgerald, and the first 11 tracks on this disc demonstrate his particular talent with relatively unadorned material. My only criticism might be the failure to include personnel notes, leaving some exceptional work, especially on piano and vibes, uncredited. A Sign Of The Times, originally released in 1966, is not atypical of many releases by jazz artists of the period in search of crossover appeal. It's composed of heavily orchestrated pop songs, for the most part, but no matter how lush the arrangements, Pass is able to cut through with his impeccable tone and some inspired solos. It's not the best half of the disc, but it's better music than most of its kind.

Whatever the merits of a particular track or arrangement, having more Joe Pass available is better than the alternative, and this is a worthy addition to any jazz guitar library.

Track List:

You And Me * 'Tis Autumn * Luciana * I Had The Craziest Dream * Nobody Else But Me * Simplicity * The Sands Of Time * Some Time Ago * The Gentle Rain * Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) * Where Was I * A Sign Of The Times * The Phoenix Love Theme * Nowhere Man * Dindi * A Summer Song * Moment To Moment * It Was A Very Good Year * Are You There (With Another Girl) * What Now My Love * Softly As I Leave You * Sweet September

© 2002 - Shaun Dale