Kenny Burrell turns 80

monk · #1 11-10-2011, 11:07 PM

Here's a nice article from Sunday November 6, 2011 Los Angeles Times on Kenny Burrell:
Kenny Burrell marking 80th birthday with UCLA concert - latimes.com

AlsoRan · #2 11-11-2011, 06:20 AM

Thanks, Monk. I know we should not put people up on pedestals (look what happened to Joe Paterno!) but it is hard for me to not deeply admire guys like Kenny Burrell and BB King. They seem to stand for what is good in being a musician.

Drumbler · #3 11-11-2011, 06:32 AM

Kenny B. is my favorite player.

Happy Birthday Kenny Burrell.

monk · #4 11-11-2011, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlsoRan

Thanks, Monk. I know we should not put people up on pedestals (look what happened to Joe Paterno!) but it is hard for me to not deeply admire guys like Kenny Burrell and BB King. They seem to stand for what is good in being a musician.

I agree. There is a big, big difference between worshiping people and respecting them. But there's nothing wrong with admiring them for their accomplishments.

pauln · #5 11-11-2011, 12:57 PM

One of favorite players, always cool and laid back with nice little surprises in his sound. I love the way he plays solo lines and slips in the little chord phrases.
Kenny Burrell - Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You - YouTube

monk · #6 11-11-2011, 01:45 PM

There is one factual error in the article.

The author referred to Burrell as the eldest of the three guitarists (KB, WM & GG). Wes was born in 1923, Burrell in 1931 and Green in 1935.

Jazzpunk · #7 11-11-2011, 02:03 PM

I'll be at the show tomorrow night. Never seen B.B. King live so it's going to be a real treat to see him on stage with Burrell!

Jazzpunk · #8 11-15-2011, 10:29 PM

Great show! Here's a review:

Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra Unlimited The International Review of Music

monk · #9 11-16-2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzpunk

Great show! Here's a review:

Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra Unlimited The International Review of Music

Thanks for the review. I sincerely hope that this was videotaped for posterity and will become available on DVD. I wish I could have been there.

Drumbler · #10 11-16-2011, 06:41 AM

I saw B.B. King perform on TV at the Memorial Day celebration in D.C..

He looked very unhealthy and frail (He is 85 or so of course!). But what really struck me is how he appeared to be almost senile in his performance.

It was sad to see him in such a state. How did he look to you?

BlueMiles · #11 11-16-2011, 03:31 PM

I love Kenny Burrell. I think he is tops in terms of that very pure and almost acoustic sound on the electric guitar. He's a master of bop, blues, and ballads.

It's curious to see him do an all-solo album. I have a ton of Burrell in my collection, and I know of no other purely solo record. There was Lotus Blossom, which is about half solo. Otherwise, a scattering of actually rather nice solo tracks such as "Azure" and "Jump for Joy" (from Ellington is Forever); "Single Petal of a Rose"; and I've just found "But Not for Me," which I think is from his very first record.

jseaberry · #12 11-16-2011, 04:38 PM

And not only is he still active, he's active on Facebook, in case you had not found his page!

Jazzpunk · #13 11-17-2011, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monk

Thanks for the review. I sincerely hope that this was videotaped for posterity and will become available on DVD. I wish I could have been there.

They were filming so hopefully it will be released some day. It's a crime that there is not more concert footage from his long career!

jmstritt · #14 11-17-2011, 09:53 AM

Class.