Joe Pass’s Virtuoso album was recorded in August and released in December 1973. It was second only to Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced” album in influencing me as a young guitar player.
On October 10, 1973 I left the University of Virginia and set out into the world to find my musical fortune.
I moved to San Francisco and, within a week, I saw Joe Pass was playing at the Great American Music Hall,
850 O’Farrell Street.
At the end of the 4 hour solo show, with absolutely no stage patter, he said, “ I am always looking for geniuses. Are there any geniuses out there?”
I was drunk, stuck up my hand, walked up on stage and played Ellington’s Satin Doll with Joe Pass at the very height of his powers.
He could have pounced on my head, cause I have never been a brilliant be-bop guitar player…but he was merciful.