Candyman, didn't know about Herb Ellis. Thanks for the info.

Harpgirl, I think it's important to appreciate all kinds of music
whether we like it or not. Show business is not a prerequisite for musicianship in my view. Joe Pass is a fine and important jazz guitarist and putting him on a rate scale is subjective at best.

Those that would be bored by his playing might not appreciate jazz that much. He was outstanding as an imaginative player in both single lines and harmony.

The only folk or bluegrass guitarist that could approach his level in jazz might be Pat Donahue. Donahue didn't choose to go that way but I believe he could have. He is one of the few folk stylists that I can think of that has a grasp of harmonic complexity that jazz requires.

In the country field, George Barnes and Hank Garland are two strong in both styles. Also Homer (of Homer and Jethro) could play jazz well. Lenny Breau was one of the best fingerpickers around.
Check out "The Claw".

Frank

Frank