Joe Pass recorded so many solo sets for Pablo during the 1970s and '80s that hearing him in a quartet format almost seems unusual. Here
Pass is joined by his old friend rhythm guitarist
John Pisano, bassist
Jim Hughart, and drummer
Shelly Manne for 11 songs by
George and
Ira Gershwin. The melodies are quite familiar ("Bidin' My Time" is the closest one to an obscurity), and few surprises occur, but the music swings and the results are quite enjoyable. No matter how times one hears "Lady Be Good," "A Foggy Day," "'S Wonderful" and "Embraceable You," there is always room for another superior version. ~ Scott Yanow