Joe Pass / Portraits of Duke Ellington

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

Recorded just a month after Duke Ellington's death, this tribute album (reissued on CD) features guitarist Joe Pass (just beginning to become famous), bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Bobby Durham jamming on eight Ellington tunes and "Caravan" (which was penned by one of Duke's key sidemen, Juan Tizol). The interplay between the three musicians is quite impressive, and Pass' mastery of the guitar is obvious (he didn't really need the other sidemen). Highlights include "In a Mellow Tone," "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," and "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)." Recommended.

00:00 A1 Satin Doll 05:46 A2 I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart 11:26 A3 Sophisticated Lady 15:14 A4 I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) 18:35 A5 In A Mellowtone 25:13 B1 Solitude 30:24 B2 Don't Get Around Much Anymore 36:57 B3 Do Nothin' 'Till You Hear From Me 42:55 B4 Caravan Bass – Ray Brown Drums – Bobby Durham Guitar – Joe Pass Recorded
June 21, 1974
Los Angeles
Pablo Records
US1975