Craft OJC Series Definite Version of Joe Pass's "Virtuoso"

solo guitar, intimately mic'd

This is a solo jazz guitar album by one of the all-time best. If you’ve found your way here, it would be difficult to not like the scenery. But, you buy the ticket; you take the ride. As a result, some casual listeners may feel like they merely transacted with Joe. However, most will see this as a true gift.

The name and the title tell you everything you need to know: Joe was a master and this, his tenth album and a first for Pablo Records in 1973, finds him at the height of his powers. Every once in a while, you do actually get exactly what you've paid for. And even when you hear passing detractors quip about Joe’s propensity to occasionally play a few too many notes, you can bet that listener hasn’t given this record a fair chance. 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. You hear the man behind the guitar—and his chair! As listeners, we have been treated, not only to Joe, but to his guitar and the room in which he played it.

Sonic artifacts are thickly spread. And, this pressing puts listeners fully in the room as witness. 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. I’m quickly reminded of my childhood tendency, as a budding guitarist, to put my ear to the soundhole of my guitar while strumming an open chord. In that same fashion, listeners hear every pick attack, the resonance of the guitar’s body, and even, at times, his breathing. And, the ease with which Joe muscles his way around the fingerboard is something to behold. His attitude is aggressive yet soulful and his playing is boundlessly beautiful—a tough party trick to pull off.

Because my grandfather was such a lover of Django Reinhardt, he was the one who first encouraged me to play guitar as a young kid. We never discussed this album—and I really wish that we had. Because, years later, Joe Pass’s For Django album is precisely what introduced me to Joe as a player. Hearing the joy in his playing was magnetic. As a result, that album created a connection between my grandfather’s hero and a player that I had discovered on my own.

Virtuoso is Joe at his most spirited and pure. Just listening to his take of “How High the Moon” could humble and baffle any guitar player. He’s even managed to verge on Nick Drake modalities as he expertly carves through the melody. And, his own material shines particularly bright in the soaring beauty found in “Blues for Alican”, a master class in composition and technical proficiency. As a result, it’s abundantly clear that he’s not just a deliverer of other people's music—he’s truly a writer to be reckoned with. So, whether you’ve been a fan of Joe’s for years, or you are simply just coming to the party curious, this is the definitive cut of Virtuoso. 

Tracking Angle welcomes Brian Fisher to our writing team. Brian has taught 7th grade English for 28 years. An avid listener, writer, photographer and guitar player/collector, Brian has contributed to guitar magazines for decades. His system includes a McIntosh c70 preamp and Mcintosh MC275 VI amp, Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers, Dr. Feickert Woodpecker turntable, Kuzma 4 point 9" arm, Etna Lambda cartridge and Hashimoto SUT.