Bio

Joe Pass was Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1929. He started working professionally when he was only 14, playing in bands led by Charlie Barnet and Tony Pastor. He would relocate to New York City in the early 1950’s. His career would begin to blossom in earnest in the 1960’s, when he would begin to do a great deal of television and studio work in Los Angeles. In the 1970’s he would sign to Pablo Records and create a deep catalogue of memorable recordings including, ‘Take Love Easy’, ‘Virtuoso’, ‘The Trio’, ‘Sophisticated Lady’ and ‘Speak Love’. He won a Grammy for best jazz band performance in 1975 with Oscar Peterson and Neils Henning Orsted Peterson. During this time he would also associate with a large and talented cast of musicians including Ella Fitzgerald, Herb Ellis, Zoot Sims, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie. The style of Joe Pass is a deep and rich one, playing just as well solo as with a group, his simultaneous emphasis on rhythm and melody make his playing stand out as purely musical.