Customer Reviews
You won't believe its one guitar - Incredible - By: Mr. Dominic L. Brown, 28 Aug 2005 
This is the first of a series of recording made by Pass beginningin 1973, & it features himin masterful, powerful form. His formidable technique is simply stunning - he effectively accompanies himself, creating incredible richness with full chord backing & harmonic basslines, over which he simultaneously plays a free & beautifully phrased melody line - musically it is almost impossible to imagine that only one man is playing, & with absolutely no overdubbing! To add to the achievement, Pass decides to play some of the most challenging, up tempo piecesin the American popular Jazz repertoire.
"Cherokee" is a fast, intricate bop number, a classic more usually attempted by a full big band, & that he manages to make it his own on unaccompanied guitar is almost miraculous - this is guitar playing at the absolute limit of what is possible, & yet the melody remains clear & consistentin feel - amazing. "How High The Moon" is equally incredible.
Other tracks on the album are pure romance, wonderful pieces of music played with an acute understanding & sensitivity. The pure beauty of his playing at times is impossible to adequately explain. Listen particularly to "Here's That Rainy Day" - a favourite with the world's finest jazz guitarists, but this version is never surpassed (except perhaps by Wes Montgomeryin a very different interpretation on his album "Bumpin'").
For Jazz enthusiasts, Pass's version of the classic "'Round Midnight" is especially rewarding. Seldom heard on guitar at all, Thelonious Monk's dark masterpiece is given a totally new perspective here.
What Joe Pass achieved here is of seminal importance - he played pieces on the solo guitar that it was previously thought were impossible to play, & he did so with a flair & technical mastery that no-one has since matched, although check out Martin Taylor to hear the finest solo Jazz guitaristin the world today.
This is a must for all guitarists, a must for all Jazz enthusiasts, & indeed a must for anyone with a love of truly great music. For those unused to the material or to the virtuoso skills of Joe Pass, this album may require a little time to really appreciate, but it is absolutely worth the effort.
Anyone that thinks they can play guitar should listen - By: , 31 Jan 2002 This is solo guitar playing at its best, but anyone who knows anything about Joe Pass would expect nothing less. It's not the easiest music to listen to so don't expect to stick this album on for a bit of soothing background noise. Instead really listen & enjoy.
One of the legendary Jazz Guitarists of the 20th Century - By: , 27 Sep 2000 "Virtuoso" showcases the jazz guitarist Joe Pass at his solo best, playing his Gibson semi-acoustic with blistering technique & extraordinarily melodic feel. His combination of soloing as he simultaneously accompanies himself with chords & walking bass lines is astonishing to hear (asin "Have you met Miss Jones" & "All the Things You Are") - especially when you consider that this album is not overdubbed. Joe Pass has recorded with artists such as Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, & with his trio, but he is never more impressive than when playing solo. The album "Virtuoso" is a masterpiece.
