Joe Pass: Songs For Ellen

1 The Shadow of Your Smile - 2:43 2 Song for Ellen - 2:55 3 I Only Have Eyes for You - 2:52 4 Stars Fell on Alabama - 4:07 5 That Old Feeling - 2:53 6 Star Eyes - 2:40 7 Robbins Nest - 2:42 8 Someone to Watch over Me - 3:00 9 Blues for Angel - 3:36 10 There's a Small Hotel - 2:53 11 How Deep Is the Ocean? - 2:25 12 Stormy Weather - 3:16 13 Just Friends - 3:21 14 Blue Moon - 3:29 15 Satellite Village - 2:34

This posthumous CD is novel because it features Joe Pass exclusively on acoustic guitar, and it is obvious that he enjoyed every minute of these sessions. "The Shadow of Your Smile" is no longer easy listening fodder, as Pass turns it into a miniature master class in swing. "Star Eyes" is accented by the soft squeaks of Pass' fingers gently weaving their intricate magic. Most of the works of Joe Pass tended to be improvised blues, so the title track is an exception -- a simple yet elegant ballad written for his wife. "Blues for Angel" highlights his matchless mastery of slow blues. The boppish blues "Satellite Village" is a perfect closer. The good news is that there are several more unreleased sessions by Joe Pass that will follow this superb collection. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi