Pass took to playing in jazz bands at an early age, and moved around a lot as a consequence. Overcoming addiction, he made a triumphant comeback in the 1960s, becoming a prolific recording artist and highly sought-after session player. Pass's unique approach to chord melody and single-line improvisation earned him much acclaim. In 1975 he received a Grammy Award along with Oscar Peterson and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen for their album “The Trio”. He also recorded six albums with Ella Fitzgerald towards the end of her career. Pass continued to play right up to his death at age 60.
