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Joe Pass Joe Pass, born Joseph Anthony Jacobi Passalaqua on January 13, 1929, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, was an American jazz guitarist known for his virtuosic playing style and his innovative approach to jazz guitar. Pass' career spanned over five decades, during which he established himself as one of the greatest and most influential jazz guitarists in the history of the genre. Pass began playing guitar at a young age and was largely self-taught. He developed a unique and highly refined playing style that combined elements of bebop, blues, and his own innovations. Pass was known for his impeccable technique, his deep sense of swing, and his ability to improvise complex and melodic solos. Pass rose to prominence in the 1960s with a series of acclaimed albums recorded for the Pacific Jazz and Pablo record labels. His 1974 album "Virtuoso" is considered a classic of the genre and features Pass' stunning guitar work on tracks like "Night and Day" and "Stompin' at the Savoy." One of Pass' most distinctive techniques was his use of chord melody, in which he played the melody of a song along with chords, bass lines, and improvisations simultaneously. This technique gave his playing a rich, full sound and allowed him to create complex and harmonically sophisticated arrangements. In addition to his solo work, Pass was also a highly sought-after sideman, performing and recording with some of the greatest musicians in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and Duke Ellington. His playing was admired for its precision, its elegance, and its emotional depth, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected guitarists in the history of jazz. Joe Pass passed away on May 23, 1994, but his music continues to be celebrated and admired by jazz fans around the world. His virtuosic playing style and his innovative approach to jazz guitar have had a lasting impact on the genre, and his legacy as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time is secure.