One for My Baby cover

One for My Baby

Joe Pass · 1988

50 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of intricate guitar work and soulful ballads that showcase the depth of jazz standards.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) — This track encapsulates the album's essence with its melancholic melody and heartfelt interpretation, showcasing Pass's signature fingerstyle technique and emotional nuance.
  • →
    (I Don't Stand a) Ghost of a Chance With You — Pass transforms this standard into a poignant reflection through subtle chord changes and delicate phrasing that highlight both vulnerability and strength.
  • →
    Poinciana — The arrangement combines rhythmic complexity with lyrical melodies, demonstrating Pass's ability to weave intricate lines while maintaining a sense of groove throughout the piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Joe Pass's guitar mastery through intricate compositions and smooth execution of jazz standards.

What we noticed

  • The album maintains a consistent mid-tempo feel, with only slight variations in pace across the eight tracks.
  • Several tracks feature extended improvisational sections, allowing for dynamic shifts in mood and intensity.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • smooth evening relaxation
  • intricate guitar detail exploration
  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • soulful ballads for introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1988, Joe Pass was a seasoned guitarist with a rich discography, having previously gained acclaim for his work in the 1970s and 1980s. 'One for My Baby' marked a continuation of his exploration into jazz standards, following albums like 'Virtuoso' which solidified his reputation as an exceptional solo performer. This release further highlighted his ability to convey emotion through masterful improvisation and interpretive skill.
Stylistic neighbors
Wes Montgomery· Jim Hall· Grant Green

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bluesology 5:57
  • 2 One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) 4:50
  • 3 J.P. Blues 7:48
  • 4 Poinciana 6:33
  • 5 (I Don't Stand a) Ghost of a Chance With You 6:04
  • 6 I Remember You 6:17
  • 7 Bay City Blues 7:06
  • 8 The Song Is You 5:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata