Music: Joe Pass ... 'nuff said

Joe Pass left this plane of existence in 1994, but he left a body of work that continues to inspire and bring joy to millions.

By Hans Bernhard (Schnobby)

I have taken a break from my snarky political commentary this week, with the chaos surrounding the hugely upbeat DNC, coupled with a hell of a week at work, my time to find and write about things to post has been curtailed.

Never fret, I will be bringing my foul language views back to your inboxes.

But for now, let’s bask in the delight that is Joe Pass.

I first stumbled on Joe’s music when I was first learning guitar. I had learned a couple of the simpler jazz standards. For those not in the know, most of the Jazz Standards are simple (ish) chord progressions and they become a framework for fleet-fingered players to fill in the gaps with their prowess.

The beauty is that even relatively novice players can find space to play as they progress their learning and repertoire, growing their own trajectory.

Joe Pass (born Joseph Anthony Jacobi Passalacqua, no wonder why he shortened his name!) had a long career even though he passed away at the young age of 65, but his two albums, titled Virtuoso, and Virtuoso II are an outstanding introduction to the man, and the genre. The jazz guitar has many fantastic practitioners, but what I like about Joe Pass is that he could capture the audience alone, without accompaniment, but also could play in an ensemble fitting in perfectly.

I own both the Virtuouso albums, and they get played frequently. Whilst I am not proficient at this style of music, I still enjoy listening.

Below is just Joe, playing, making it look easy. <narrator: it was not easy>

Hope you enjoy this Friday morning respite