Kenny Burrell - 'Round Midnight

1998 CD reissue.

Kenny Burrell has been a central figure in jazz since he moved to New York in 1957. Like other members of his Detroit jazz clan – Tommy Flanagan, Pepper Adams, Thad and Elvin Jones, Billy Mitchell, Barry Harris – Burrell had an instinct for the essentials: blues feeling and deep rhythm. He was also noted for harmonic sophistication and the ability to set a mood with his lyricism. In an age of sound-alike guitarists, Burrell is immediately identifiable, one of the major guitar influences of the second half of the 20th century. All of his qualities are on display in this 1972 session.

Addressing a superior collection of songs, he receives superb support from pianists Richard Wyands, bassist Reggie Johnson, and drummer Lenny McBrowne. Joe Sample and Paul Humphrey take over the piano and drum chairs for a memorable “‘Round Midnight.” Burrell offers an unaccompanied version of “Blues in the Night” that emphasizes the “Blues” in Harold Arlen’s great ballad.