Eximious

by Scott YanowJoe Pass took time off from his solo guitar projects to record this excellent trio set with bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer Martin Drew. Pass swings hard throughout, is consistently inventive within the bebop tradition, and indulges in close interplay with Pedersen. Together, these musicians make the wondrous seem effortless. Among the highlights are "We'll Be Together Again" (the one unaccompanied guitar showcase on the program), "Robbins Nest," "Lush Life," "Night and Day," and "Speak Low."