Joe Pass - Portraits of Duke Ellington (1974).

“Portraits of Duke Ellington“ is an album by jazz guitarist Joe Pass that was released in 1975. It peaked at number 37 on the Jazz Albums chart. It is a tribute to jazz musician Duke Ellington and was recorded shortly after his death. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ I am more of a jazz piano trio fan, but this album literally stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it. In fact, this is the album that opened my mind and ears to guitar-centric jazz in general and Joe Pass in particular. Sadly there are no sound samples on this page at the time of this review. Words cannot describe how beautifully Pass handles Ellington’s compositions and signature tunes. Granted, credit also goes to Ray Brown on bass and Bobby Durham on drums, but it’s Pass and his guitar that make this album special. Ellington’s tunes were always personal as well as complicated. He wrote and arranged for specific musicians instead of instruments, and that makes Pass’ interpretation all the more impressive. It’s one thing to have absolute command of an instrument, and quite another to have a deep understanding of music and the composer’s and arranger’s thoughts when interpreting and performing. Pass had the rare knack for both and it’s amply evidenced on every track. If you are a guitarist and not deeply familiar with Ellingon’s signature songs you will be impressed. If you are also a staunch Ellington fan you’ll be blown away. The album clocks in at a short, but is so intense that it seems longer. It was recorded in a single session for Norman Grantz’ Pablo label in Los Angeles on June 21, 1974. Therein lies the final reason to be blown away - this exquisite album was recorded in a single day...(Mike Tarrani;Amazon) _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Tracklist: Doll ()...(00:00) 02.I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart ()...(05:50) Lady ()...(11:24) 04.I Got It Bad ()...(15:06) a Mellow Tone ()...(18:48) ()...(25:11) ’t Get Around Much Anymore ()...(30:21) Nothing Till You Hear from Me ()...(36:53) ()...(42:48). ___________________________________________ Personnel: Pass – guitar Brown – double bass Durham – drums _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Genre:Jazz Recorded:L.A;June 21,1974. Released: 1975 Label:Pablo Records – 2310 716 Producer – Norman Granz Phonographic Copyright (p) – Pablo Records, Inc. Mastered At – Kendun Recorders Pressed By – RCA Records Pressing Plant, Indianapolis Manufactured By – RCA Records.