Customer Reviews

Blue Muse

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3 star:		(1)
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This remarkable disc continues a string of exceptional jazz recordings by old guys: Homage, by James Moody; African Magic, by Abdullah Ibrahim; In Search of Momentum, by Ahmad Jamal; Go: Organic Orchestra, by Yousef Lateef.

Believe it or not, Kenny Burrell has almost a hundred (ninety-six, to be exact) recordings as leader to his credit, and another two hundred as sideman.

Quite a legacy, and one not to be gainsaid.

And this disc is entirely enjoyable, with its deep and authentic jazz/blues sensibility. Burrell's playing--soulful, nuanced, and burning where appropriate--exhibits a glorious maturity amazingly undiminshed by his advanced age (72 at the time this was recorded). Which just goes to show, the great ones keep on producing, even into their twilight years.

He also sings on four numbers, exhibiting an entirely creditable, smoky, blooze-drenched baritone. No, he's not in a league with Mel Torme or Joe Williams, but there's an affecting, heartfelt naivete to his vocals. I personally would prefer that he didn't sing--he's got such a great instrumental vibe going which, for me, is slightly compromised, diluted, whatever, by his singing--but he's certainly respectable as a crooner.

Essential mainstream jazz.

I'm breaking with the pack on this one. I love Kenny Burrell; he is one of the greatest jazz guitarists who has ever lived. But this cd is very different than his other cd's. Not only does he sing on this cd, but he even takes the Monk classic 'Round Midnight, adds lyrics to the song, and sings that song too. I guess its new, creative and different; but I must be a traditionalist because I couldn't listen to it.

I hate to bring up the age thing, but let's face it, at 72, most of us don't keep that edge we had when we were younger. But don't say that about Kenny Burrell. Folks, this guy is like Old Man River, he just keeps on rollin' along. More to the point, his playing is just as good as ever, which, of course, has always been superlative.

On this side, that classic, signature tone of his is just the way we like it, and you know that he always gets all the soul possible out of every note he plays. His choice of tunes is impeccable and the players he's assembled add the perfect accompaniment and color to the tunes. What can I say? Kenny Burrell is just a wonderful musician, period. Players like him are what jazz is all about to me. They just keep reaching higher -- and you instantly know it's them when you hear a new tune.

The vocals on "Then I Met You," "It's No Time to Be Blue," "Solitude," and "'Round Midnite" were an unexpected bonus and a pleasure to boot. Buy it.

If one is into guitars this is for you it can be played with the likes of Herb Ellis on the man with a guitar, thumbs up

I went to see Mr. Burrell's show last night and bought his CD. At 72, this fine gentleman is playing at his best. Being a jazz guitar player myself, I just wish that one day I could achieve Mr. Burrell's level. His musical integrity, original style, sense of swing, and impeccable technique are a feast for jazz guitar lovers.

I give 5 stars to this CD. Highlights to the originality of Sherman Ferguson and the solid performance of Roberto Miranda.

You'll love it. You can't call yourself a jazz guitar fan unless concord jazz recordings of Burrell are in your library, also cool, is a guy I just discovered at robert-taylor.ca check it out it'll calm and excite you simultaneously!