Kessel + ?

[AndyV]

Any guesses or better - definitive ID?

The rhythm guitarist/jazz historian Nick Rossi posted this today:

Stumped! Yes, of course, that's the great Barney Kessel on the right. But who is on the left? I do not recognize the player, who does not appear to be either any of the usual suspects or the lesser knowns. Based on Barney, I'd say this is an early shot, circa 1942. That said, I think it is interesting both guitarists are play mk. II versions of the Gibson ES-300 which were only produced a short while, 1940-1941.

Photo taken from the, Duncan P. Schiedt Photograph Collection, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

[PMB]

My first guess would be Leonard 'Lucky' Enois. Both guitarists recorded with Charlie Parker (Enois was on Bird's recordings with Jay McShann) and they moved to L.A. around the same time in search of work.

[PMB]

Here's a pic of Enois from when he was playing in the Red Callender Trio:

[rickhellman]

Great pic of Lucky! May I have permission to use in my Kansas City Rock History Project, and potential book? See kcrockhistory.com FYI.

Credit info?

If possible, could you send me a copy half-again as dense/high-resolution?

And if you know some things about Lucky, I would love to know more. He's overlooked, which is one of the reasons for my project.

Thanks!
Rick Hellman

Here's a pic of Enois from when he was playing in the Red Callender Trio:

[PMB]

Hi Rick,

It took a bit of Googling but I found the picture (photographer uncredited) at the Mosaic site:

Classic Black & White Jazz Sessions Limited Edition Box Set (#273 - 11 CDs) -

[AndyV]

Rick, please note that I am not the original poster. The photo was shared on Facebook by guitarist Nick Rossi. Message Nick re permissions.