Sounds of Synanon is the debut album by jazz guitarist Joe Pass.

Background and recording

The album was recorded with patients at the Synanon Drug Center, where Pass was being treated for addiction to heroin. Pass did not own his own guitar at the time of the album's recording, and recorded using a borrowed electric solid-body guitar.

Release

The album was reissued in 2022, accompanied by seven bonus tracks.

Reception

Jazz critic Leonard Feather reviewed the album for the July 5, 1962 issue of DownBeat magazine and said, "This album does more than merely present a group of good musicians, it unveils a star. In Joe Pass, Synanon and Pacific Jazz have discovered a major jazz talent..." Robert Taylor of AllMusic highlighted the tunes "Projections" and "Hang Tough" as some of the tightest and "cleanest" playing of Pass's entire career. Taylor concluded his retrospective review of the album by stating, "his accompanists prove to be adequate, but hardly approach the genius of Pass. A landmark recording in the history of jazz guitar."

Track listing

Personnel