Jazz Articles about Kenny Burrell

Kenny Burrell: Introducing Kenny Burrell

by C. Andrew Hovan
October 1, 2000

Detroit legend Kenny Burrell remains a vital guitarist in the mainstream tradition. Over the years he has built a notable catalog, recording for such labels as Columbia, Verve, Argo/Cadet, and Fantasy. However, it’s Burrell’s Blue Note legacy that remains foremost in the minds of his fans and devotees. Now, for the first time ever, the first three Blue Note sessions to come under Burrell’s leadership have been assembled in one place. Issued as Kenny Burrell, Kenny Burrell Volume 2 and ...

Kenny Burrell and the Jazz Heritage All-Stars: Live at the Blue Note

by Jack Bowers
December 1, 1999

I don’t know how the Jazz Heritage All–Stars were chosen, but can’t quarrel with the results of the vote or whatever was involved. Leader Kenny Burrell’s credentials are unimpeachable, and everyone else on this concert date from July ’96 at New York’s Blue Note nightspot is a remarkably accomplished musician. While Burrell’s mellow guitar is the focal point, he generously shares the playing time with his superlative sidemen and provides a supple cushion for guest vocalists Jeannie Bryson and Vanessa ...

Kenny Burrell: 12-15-78

by C. Michael Bailey
October 1, 1999

Critic’s Note. This collection was also reviewed by Jim Santella in the September Issue of All About Jazz.

My, How Repackaging Makes Music Better! One of the benefits of the compact disc revolution is that live performances once spread over several long-playing vinyl albums could now be brought together and heard as a cogent set. In rock music, the Allman Brother’s Complete Fillmore Concerts come to mind. In jazz today it is Kenny Burrell’s 1978 December concert at New York’s ...

Kenny Burrell: 12*15*78

by John Sharpe
October 1, 1999

A glance at Kenny Burrell's discography reveals that he has recorded at least a half- dozen “live" albums at The Village Vanguard. Obviously, Kenny and his sidemen enjoy the warmth, comfort and intimacy of this fabled New York nightspot. The title of this 2-CD set refers to the date when Burrell originally recorded Live At The Village Vanguard and Kenny Burrell In New York for the Muse label. This attractively packaged reissue captures Burrell's complete 80-minute set in its entirety. ...

Kenny Burrell: 12-15-78

by Jim Santella
October 1, 1999

The Kenny Burrell Trio recorded Live At The Village Vanguard and Kenny Burrell In New York on December 15, 1978; hence, the title for this two-disc reissue. It doesn’t get much better for those who appreciate a guitar trio performing mainstream jazz. Burrell combines a great respect for the lyrical with harmonic chorded lines and a sweet tone in his work. It was in 1978 that the guitarist began teaching a course at UCLA on the life and music of ...

The Kenny Burrell Trio: 12-15-78

by Paula Edelstein
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 ...

Kenny Burrell: 12*15*78

by Douglas Payne
September 1, 1999

This period of Kenny Burrell's career found the guitarist playing more -- and better -- than ever. But he had long before abandoned his high-profile role as house guitarist for Prestige and Blue Note (in the 1950s and 1960s) and as a studio guitarist on a staggering number of jazz, pop and film dates (during the 1960s). By the late 1970s, he was devoting more of his time to his role as an educator (at UCLA, where he still is ...