The Kenny Burrell Trio: 12-15-78

Paula Edelstein

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Published: September 1, 1999

Re-issued on the new 32 Jazz 2-CD set, 12-15-78 is the follow up to Kenny Burrell’s single disc compilation LAID BACK. Recorded at the Village Vanguard club in the quintessentially hip Big Apple, 12-15-78 captures the essence of his musical relationships, and more. The originals, released on Muse Records titled “LIVE” AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD and KENNY BURRELL IN NEW YORK have been out-of-print until the 32 Jazz reissue. The KennyBurrell Trio, features Larry Gales on bass and Sherman Ferguson on drums and has established Burrell as one of the top jazz guitarists in his field. On disc one, the trio plays such favorites as “Willow Weep For Me,” with classic nuance. Burrell’s solo rendition of “Work Songs,” the Nat Adderly hit, works well with its variety of shadings, syncopation and double coda. The Duke Ellington medley, “Don’t You Know I Care?” and “Love You Madly,” will satisfy ears thirsty for the rarely recorded tunes. On disc two, Kenny’s trio maintains his stature in mainstream jazz on six tracks that emanate keen dynamics, warmth and sensitivity. Kenny plays piano harmonies and horn lines, and gives Sherman Ferguson plenty of drum space on the Sonny Rollins tune, “Pent Up House.” Kenny elaborates on the propulsion vehicle with sort of “an insinuation rather than an intrusion” as the trio builds to a dynamic climax. The well-known blues riff penned by Milt Jackson, “Bag’s Groove,” is done in a mellow mood, adding another side to the classic piece. This 2-CD set is undeniably welcome back on today’s contemporary jazz scene.

PERSONNEL: KENNY BURRELL, GUITAR; LARRY GALES, BASS; SHERMAN FERGUSON; DRUMS

TRACKS: DISC 1: Second Balcony Jump; Willow Weep For Me; Work Song; Woodyn' You?; In The Still of the Night; Medley: Don't You Know I Care?/Love You Madly; It's Getting Dark.

DISC 2: Pent Up House; But Beautiful; Bags' Groove; Makin' Whoopee; Come Rain Or Come Shine; Love Your Magic Spell Is Everywhere

Record Label: 32 Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream