George Barnes Albums (4)
'Don't Get Around Much Anymore'
Release Date 2/11/2003
Tracks 15
Label Acoustic Disc
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
George Barnes has been unjustly overlooked by fans of jazz guitar, since he spent a good portion of his career as a studio musician, but the initial appearance in 2003 of this previously unreleased 1977 concert (recorded just a few months prior to his death) adds an important final chapter to his recorded legacy. Barnes leads his brand new quartet (with fellow guitarist Duncan James, bassist Dean Reilly, and drummer Benny Barth) through a delightful program of standards ("Sweet Georgia Brown," "Moonglow," and "Why Was I Born?"), gems from the vast Duke Ellington band book ("Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "Perdido"), as well as the popular "Theme From the Flintstones." Barnes' fluid playing and that of his group make them sound as if they had been together far longer. The excellent sound by engineer Larry Cummings is identical to the mix heard by the audience that very evening. The warm, detailed liner notes by Barnes' daughter, Alexandra Barnes Leh, add a nice touch to this highly recommended release. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Guitarist George Barnes's final recording is rather brief (32 minutes) but this album (which contains fine versions of nine standards) has its enjoyable moments. Accompanied by rhythm guitarist Duncan James, bassist Dean Reilly and drummer Benny Barth, George Barnes shows that he never did decline. His hornlike lines are always a joy to hear. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
George Barnes and Bucky Pizzarelli recorded this guitar session after performing as a duo at the Upstairs at the Downstairs for several months prior to making this album, so they were very familiar with each others' playing, which is firmly rooted in swing. With Pizzarelli on a seven-string instrument, and Barnes on the usual six-string, they tackle a wide-ranging program, which includes swing classics, a bit of boogie, standards, originals, and even lame pop songs of the day. Obviously, gems like "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Blue Skies" turn out better than Paul Williams' nauseating "We've Only Just Begun" (which at least omits its banal, repetitious lyrics), and another hit for the Carpenters, Burt Bacharach's sickeningly sweet "(They Long to Be) Close to You." But the duo actually make something out of Blood, Sweat and Tears' biggest hit, "Spinning Wheel." Sadly, they only recorded as a duo once more, a few months after this 1971 date, before Barnes' untimely death in 1977. Like all of their work together, this long unavailable LP (released by A&R) won't be easy to acquire. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In the early '60s, the two great guitarists Carl Kress and George Barnes teamed up for a Town Hall concert and some rare recordings. This Stash LP finds Barnes playing single-note lines over Kress's sophisticated chordings. Their collaborations on this easily recommended set find the duo interpreting a variety of superior veteran standards along with Kress's "Golden Retriever Puppy Dog Blues" and an original by Barnes. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
