As green turns to orange and brown, as the days begin to settle down and shorten, as the cold comes around, that’s when you know that autumn is in town. That’s also when I start to think that I could be a poet – it’s just a shame that no one else does. Strangely, it is not just me who becomes introspective, sensationalising the season of autumn; I think the whole world does – or at least the part that is suddenly forced to put the central heating on. The truth is that, for the most part we are sad to see summer go. For some, what is most upsetting is the knowledge that they won’t see the sun again or be able to justify drinking before 11am for at least another 8 months. For others it’s the slog of returning to work and knowing they won’t see family until Christmas comes around (yes, I said it – there’s only 3 months to go!). Fortunately, autumn has so much to offer. Not only in the beauty of nature but the promise of cosy walks in warm jumpers with warm drinks and friends. You know the cliché. Failing all of that though – and I appreciate they may not be a lot of peoples actual experiences in autumn – the new season brings new sounds. Or perhaps I should say old sounds possibly unheard in months. This week’s album pick is one of my favourite all-year round records, but it pairs perfectly with autumn. Wherever you are at this season its almost guaranteed to warm your soul and get you through to winter – at that point, Christmas songs will carry you through (I can’t wait!). The album I am talking about is the duet album Fitzgerald And Pass…Again, comprising 14 tracks of the most compelling vocal and guitar music you have ever heard.
Okay, so jazz guitar is always going to get a thumbs up from me – especially when it’s played as gracefully and expertly as it is with Joe Pass. I think it is one of the best accompanying instruments for the voice, leaving plenty of space for the singer to express the range of their tone and play around with melodic variations. What is so special with this record then is that Joe Pass is not particularly known for his restrictive comping. If you have heard his playing before – I am talking about his solo work – then you’ll know what I mean. He’s a virtuoso. If he wasn’t, then the album Virtuoso wouldn’t have been as successful as it was, or at the very least it would have needed to seriously suck in order for the irony to land. Despite his immense virtuosity, he has no issue humbling himself in the presence of a vocal giant. Pass spends the majority of the session, even in his soloing, comping and filling the harmonic space behind Ella Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald’s role in this whole album is to do what she does best: deliver timeless tunes with a personal touch. There’s no question that it’s Ella singing in any of these tracks. The warmth and gentle control of her voice draws you closer, pushing and pulling you with dynamic jumps and improvisatory explorations on the theme. Check out her scat at the start of “Rain” then listen to “I’ve Got the World on a String” and you’ll understand what I mean. Or just listen to the album in order – it won Fitzgerald a Grammy for ‘Best Jazz Vocal Album’ for goodness sake!
In summary, this album needs to be your next listen if you want to enjoy this autumn at all. It is nearly an hour long, so stick it on and go for a late afternoon walk or pop it on to warm up to the day. Two of the greatest that ever did it, performing together in one room and not stepping on each other’s toes – that has to be a rarity, right?
Waxing Lyrical 