Kessel, Barney
Contemporary, 2003, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 10.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 5
Sound: 4
Score:
O’s Notes: One of most formidable jazz guitarists was Barney Kessel, a man who initially patterned himself after Charlie Christian. But he quickly developed his own style that served as the foundation for a career that lasted over 30 years spanning the 1950’s through 1980’s. So it’s a relatively easy task to select these 16 romantic ballads from his repertoire. His accompaniment includes Ray Brown (b), Shelly Mann (d), Red Mitchell (b) and Jimmy Rowles (p). You’ll find these songs to be a soothing backdrop that has some sizzle too, especially if you admire jazz guitar.