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Frank Potenza: For Joe
ByPotenza was Pass' friend for 20 years, from their first meeting in 1974. In his sleeve notes he writes about that friendship and about his long-standing plans to record a tribute album: plans that finally came to fruition in September 2012. The tribute is clearly heartfelt and the resultsencompassing standards like Earl Hines' "Rosetta" and George Gershwin's "Love Is Here To Stay" as well as three of Pass' own compositionsshowcase an impressive range of tempos, moods and melodies.
The laidback groove of Pass' "A Foxy Chick And A Cool Cat" forms an impressive openerwith Hughart's slinky bass line to the fore thanks to the album's excellent sound. The album's only original composition, Pisano's playful, waltz-time "Blues For Joe," features its composer on lead guitar. For Joe is also a welcome reminder of the influence of Django Reinhardt, another giant of the guitar. Pass' "For Django," given a bossa nova arrangement by Potenza, and the rhumba rhythm of Reinhardt's "Fleur D'Ennui" both demonstrate the quartet's imagination as well as its instrumental ability.
For Joe is intended as a lovingly-crafted tribute to one particular musician. It actually goes beyond that, standing as a tribute not only to Pass but to a fluid, melodic and organic approach to the instrument that communicates with an audience without the enhancement (or encumbrance) of effects pedals and mega-volume. No-one here needs to turn their amps up to anywhere near 11.
Track Listing
A Foxy Chick And A Cool Cat; For Django; Blues For Joe; Catch Me; Do Nothin' Til You Hear From Me; Fleur D'Ennui; Love Is Here To Stay; Rosetta; Voce; Beautiful Love.
Personnel
Frank Potenza
guitarFrank Potenza: guitar; John Pisano: guitar; Jim Hughart: double bass; Colin Bailey: drums.
Album information
Title: For Joe | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Capri Records