Joe Pass - A Sign Of The Times (1966)

“A Sign Of The Times” is a compelling jazz recording led by the masterful guitarist, originally recorded in 1966 and released in this 2010 World Pacific Records edition. The album captures Pass’s effortless command of the jazz guitar idiom, blending melodic clarity with harmonic sophistication in a concise but deeply expressive set. With its blend of jazz standards, pop reinterpretations, and original interpretations, this release reflects Pass’s ability to balance technical brilliance with emotional depth.

Throughout the album, Pass showcases his signature single-note lines, chordal inventiveness, and rhythmic precision, delivering performances that are both engaging and thoughtful. The selection of material ranges from introspective ballads like “It Was a Very Good Year” to more rhythmically animated pieces such as “Nowhere Man,” demonstrating the versatility and breadth of Pass’s musical voice. The result is an intimate and rewarding listening experience that highlights why Joe Pass remains one of the most respected figures in jazz guitar history.

Tracklist:
1. A Sign of the Times (Hatch) - 2:15
2. The Phoenix Love Theme (Senza Fine) (Wilder-Paoli) - 2:53
3. Nowhere Man (Lennon-McCartney) - 2:41
4. Dindi (Oliveira-Gilbert-Jobim) - 2:21
5. A Summer Song (Metcalfe-Noble-Stuart) - 2:42
6. Moment to Moment (Mercer-Mancini) - 2:25
7. It Was a Very Good Year (Drake) - 3:03
8. Are You There (With Another Girl) (David-Bacharach) - 3:13
9. What Now My Love (Et Maintenant) (Delanoe-Sigman-Becaud) - 2:42
10. Softly as I Leave You (Calabrese-Shaper-De Vita) - 2:20
11. Sweet September (McGuffie-Stanley-Phillips) - 2:15

Personnel:
Joe Pass – guitar
Chet Baker – flugelhorn
Frank Capp – drums
Bob Florence – arranger, conductor