Description

Joe Pass is the first widely (famously) known *solo* jazz guitarist in history. He pushed the boundaries of harmony and “self-accompaniment” (chords, counterpoint, walking bass lines, fills, etc.) on the instrument for generations to come. He could play nice chord melody interpretations of jazz standards … and then improvise forever (still accompanying himself) without getting boring or repetitive! Chorus after chorus, you still hear swinging lines and nice chordal punctuations.Joe was also an outstanding improviser and accompanist in many other contexts (noticeably in a quartet with Oscar Peterson and in a duo with Ella Fitzgerald). If you’re into “chops”, checkout his duos with Niels Orsted!Pass is now a staple in this great tradition and still has an influence on younger jazz guitarists. Study his music carefully and you’ll be rewarded. (see books and transcriptions)7 Interesting Facts: VIDEO Playing style and GearUsed a Gibson  ES-175 mainly. He also played a custom d’Aquisto a his signature Ibanez model. Epiphone recently put out a “homage to Joe” model called the Emperor.Joe played with picks early on but was plucking strictly with his fingers by the end of his life. He believed it’ sounded better for his solo works.Simply put: just watch him play and you’ll see what his technical style is like…Video, Licks and Transcriptions Always remember : be musical and melodic in your improvisations! A bunch of chord changes and neat ideas won’t cut it if the final result does not SING and SWING …Have fun and make good music!