Barney Kessel Albums (36)
What The Critics Say
Originally available on the Japanese Trio label, this Storyville CD reissue unfortunately has no liner notes. Guitarist Barney Kessel performs a set of overly relaxed warhorses with a couple of quietly supportive sidemen (bassist Kunimitsu Inaba and drummer Tetsujirah Obara) at a Tokyo club. Laurindo Almeida's "Barniana" is the only obscure material on a low-key and lightly swinging date which finds Kessel emphasizing his chordal work on such tunes as "Girl From Ipanema," "Bye Bye Blackbird" and "Willow Weep For Me." Sleepy music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Live in Los Angeles at PJ's Club'
Release Date 2/13/2006
Tracks 12
Label Gambit
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'Contemporary Latin Rhythm'
Release Date 4/19/2005
Tracks 10
Label Reprise
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'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
Release Date 4/19/2005
Tracks 12
Label Reprise
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'Barney Kessel and Friends'
Release Date 4/20/2004
Tracks 9
Label Concord Jazz
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What The Critics Say
This is an excellent session from guitarist Barney Kessel. Kessel is matched with vibraphonist Victor Feldman, pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Shelly Manne for a blues-with-a-bridge (the 11-minute "Let's Cook"), Vernon Duke's ballad "Time Remembered," and "Just in Time." The second half of the album has modernized versions of "Tiger Rag" and "Jersey Bounce" as played by the guitarist, tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, trombonist Frank Rosolino, pianist Jimmie Rowles, Vinnegar, and Manne. Throughout, Kessel keeps with the other all-stars, swinging hard while paying tribute to the legacy of Charlie Christian. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Workin' Out'
Release Date 3/25/1998
Tracks 8
Label Original Jazz Classics
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What The Critics Say
For this lesser-known effort by Barney Kessel (reissued on a 1998 CD), the guitarist is heard shortly after he decided to forego his career in the studios and try to make a living playing jazz full-time. He formed a quartet that also included three now-obscure players: Marvin Jenkins on piano and occasional flute, bassist Jerry Good, and drummer Stan Popper. Kessel plays well during a program that is highlighted by Jenkins' "Good Li'l Man," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," Ahmad Jamal's "New Rhumba," and the guitarist's own "Pedal Point." Nothing all that unusual occurs, but the music is fine modern mainstream jazz from the early '60s. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
