A Night at the Vanguard

by Kenny Burrell, Kenny Burrell Trio

Overview

Kenny Burrell's storied career as perhaps the premier modern jazz guitarist has been documented by many efforts in the studio, but here's a nightclub date that may well be highly ranked as one of his very best efforts. The spontaneity and freshness of Burrell's lyric lines and deft chords is further enhanced by perhaps the most advanced musicians he has ever played with -- bassist Richard Davis and drummer Roy Haynes. For music done in 1959, this is heady, seat-of-the-pants, brilliantly executed jazz that is mostly based in standards, but stretched to exacting tolerances that bend, but are not close to breaking. Davis provides strong support without going as outward as he did later in life, while Haynes might sound subdued to his fans, yet has an elastic presence that allows the other two a lot of freedom to fully articulate this modern mainstream language as a prelude heading into the turbulent '60s. On this straight reissue that originally sported the title "Man at Work," the trio plays all standards save the lively blues groove, more pronounced than the studio version of Burrell's "All Night Long," and the Erroll Garner tune "Trio," where Burrell's proves expert at combining singles lines and chords in balance. Most of the material is very upbeat and energetic as on the fast and quick "Will You Still Be Mine," and the bop swing of "Broadway" mixed up a little melodically by Burrell. The love of Duke Ellington's music is always with the guitarist as rendered during "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'," where the genius of Burrell is extant in his ability to provide his own counterpoint. Burrell's other precious component is his ability to relax and consistently swing as on Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't," Benny Goodman's poignant and simple "Soft Winds," and dipping deep into the tenderness quotient on the ballad "I'm a Fool to Want You" aside the tango-flavored bass of Davis. A solid effort top to bottom, and a recording most highly recommended, this is Burrell and his extraordinary trio very close to, if not truly in their prime, and their element. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Product Details

Release Date:	06/25/2021
Label:	Universal
UPC:	4988031430095
Rank:	6893

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Kenny Burrell Trio   Primary Artist
Kenny Burrell   Primary Artist,Guitar
Stanley Cowell Quartet   Primary Artist
Peter Washington   Guest Artist
Roy Haynes   Guest Artist,Drums
Richard Davis   Guest Artist,Bass
James Williams   Guest Artist

Technical Credits

Matt Dennis   Composer
Ray Henderson   Composer
John Lewis   Composer
Thelonious Monk   Composer
Cameron Mizell   Production Coordination
Joe Goldberg   Liner Notes
Jack Wolf   Composer
Frank Sinatra   Composer
William Byrd   Composer
Joel Herron   Composer
Nadine Robinson   Composer
Tom Adair   Composer
Henri Woode   Composer
Billy Byrd   Composer
Chuck Stewart   Photography,Original Cover Photography
Hollis King   Art Direction
Isabelle Wong   Package Design
Arnold Stanford   Composer
Don Gold   Liner Notes
Billy Strayhorn   Composer
Phil Macy   Engineer
Lee Gaines   Composer
Henry J. Wood   Composer
Erick Labson   Mastering
Benny Goodman   Composer
Fletcher Henderson   Composer,Arranger
Jack Tracy   Supervisor
Theodore MacRae   Composer
Bill Byrd   Composer
Duke Ellington   Composer
Irving Berlin   Composer
Billy Bird   Composer
Kenny Burrell   Composer
Andy McKaie   Reissue Supervisor
Shelton Brooks   Composer
Teddy McRae   Composer
Erroll Garner   Composer