Kenny Burrell: Midnight Blue - 1963
Another jazzman who wasn't a brass player was guitarist Kenny Burrell, whose best-known work is a lovely, light and melodic offering. It is a sleepy, generally laid-back album in comparison with the upbeat jazz of many of the others I have been discussing elsewhere.
Chitlins Con Carne is infectiously rhythmic, featuring some killer saxophone, muscular drums and one of those intoxicating grooves. Mule sees Burrell really introduce that slow, trademark guitar sound as does the equally relaxing vibe of Soul Lament. Listen to that guitar and pick up what will have influenced The Style Council on The Paris Match.
The title track, Midnight Blue, is actually a faster number, full to the brim with catchy little guitars breaks and an irresistible groove. It is as perfect a piece of gently but enthusiastically sensual instrumental pleasure as you could hope for. That's a mouthful of a sentence, isn't it? I'm sure you know what Im trying to say - that the track is spot on.
Wavy Gravy is deeply warm and throbbing with bassy business as it bristles along - listen to those drums as they thump along behind Kenny's always inventive guitar and the insistent saxophone. Excellent stuff.
The rhythms throughout this album are to die for. If you love deep bass and solid drumming, as I do, then this is for you.
