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Jim Trageser's avatar

I kinda thought Joe Pass was our generation's Joe Pass. ;-) Went to see him play at Elario's in La Jolla one night in the late '80s, backed by the superb trio of Mike Wofford on piano, Bob Magnusson on bass, and Jim Plank on drums. Early in the first set, while dinner was still being served, a young couple who clearly were on a romantic getaway to San Diego and had no idea who the live entertainment was, were talking loudly over the music. Pass stopped playing mid-song, crossed his arms resting them atop his hollow-bode electric, and waited. Didn't say a word. Pretty soon, everyone in the room was staring at the offending couple - who I imagine were horribly embarrassed. Once they realized that everyone was waiting for them to pipe down, they immediately shut up and Pass resumed the song right where he'd left off. (As for the our young couple, they asked for their check and made a quick exit.)

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Martin Hackworth's avatar

JP's heyday was a just a bit before my time. Wes too.

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Jim Trageser's avatar

Wes was gone before I started listening, but Pass kept showing up on the Basie '70s small-group recordings Pablo put out. Then he did some recording dates with Ella, too, and Oscar Peterson. Figured if they dug him enough to bring him into their studio dates, I probably ought to check him out. ;-)

Somewhere I have an odd "new age" LP Carlton put out in the 1980s. It was unlike anything else he did, but surprisingly good and unexpected.

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Martin Hackworth's avatar

I still love that album. Especially the dedication.

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Jim Trageser's avatar

I can't access it right now - share?

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Martin Hackworth's avatar

Let me see what I can do

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Manimal's avatar

Well I sure do give you props Martin as someone who has seen your evolution as a musician. All the more impressive is you are not an individual that has just concentrated on playing the guitar. You are very accomplished in many fields and endeavors. I'm quite impressed with your playing great job with a difficult piece. I really love that you have wrote about an individual who is so talented and humble at the same time. What a great example of a human being!

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Martin Hackworth's avatar

Hola, amigo. The next act is always the best. Take care, my brother.

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