Better Days

by Ken DrydenProducer Carol Kaye's original intention for this recording was use as an instructional tapes, but its value to fans of the late guitar wizard Joe Pass is minimal. The release is plagued with a lot of inferior songs, dull 1970s jazz-pop arrangements, and way too many musicians (especially electric bassist Kaye) who weren't worthy of sharing a studio with Pass. In spite of the presence of Ray Brown and J.J. Johnson, plus songs like Jimmy Rowles' "After School" and Horace Silver's "The Preacher," it is clear that Joe Pass had many better days in his long, productive career as a jazz musician. This CD will only be sought by those trying to complete their Pass collections at all costs.