Kenny Blue

In 2018, the esteemed pianist, composer, bandleader and educator Kenny Barron will mark the 50th year of a remarkable recording career with the release of his Blue Note debut Concentric Circles, a sublime 11-song set that finds the 11-time Grammy nominee returning to a dynamic quintet setting.

Kenny Dorham had a deeply moving, pure tone on trumpet; his sound was clear, sharp, and piercing, especially during ballads. He could spin out phrases and lines, but when he slowly and sweetly played the melody it was an evocative event. Dorham was a gifted all-round trumpeter, but seldom showcased his complete skills, preferring an understated, subtle approach. Unfortunately, he never received much publicity, and though a highly intelligent, thoughtful individual who wrote insightful commentary on jazz, he's little more than a footnote to many fans.

Out Of The Blue - Live At Mt. Fuji (1987) {Blue Note CDP 7467842}
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© 1987 Blue Note / Manhattan Records / Capitol | CDP 7 46784 2
Jazz / Contemporary Jazz / Hard Bop / Cool Jazz

During its four albums, Out of the Blue was the perfect representative of the Young Lions, featuring Art Blakey-type hard bop by up-and-coming players. Not an innovative group by any means, O.T.B. did give the musicians an opportunity to be showcased in the early stages of their career. For this live concert, two Bud Powell songs ("Parisian Thoroughfare" and "Blue Pearl") are performed by pianist Harry Pickens (in fine form), bassist Kenny Davis (a recent replacement for Bob Hurst) and drummer Ralph Peterson (who would soon be heading his own band). The second half of the program has three group originals, all previously recorded but here stretched out a bit, performed by the same rhythm section plus trumpeter Michael Mossman, altoist Kenny Garrett and Ralph Bowen on tenor. Fine straight-ahead music.

John Jenkins - John Jenkins With Kenny Burrell (1957) {Blue Note Connoisseur CD Series, SBM}
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© 1957, 1996 Blue Note / Capitol | CDP 7243 8 52437 2 1
Jazz / Hard Bop / Saxophone / Guitar

The great John Jenkins was one of the lesser-known sax stars to come out of the Chicago scene of the late 50s – but he was also one of the best! Jenkins played alto impeccably – with boppish agility, and a deep sense of soul that worked great on this one and only Blue Note session as a leader. The group features Kenny Burrell playing some of his best work on record – and the rhythm section features Sonny Clark on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Dannie Richmond on drums – playing in a rare non-Mingus appearance! Tracks include "Motif", "Sharon", "Blues For Two", and "Chalumeau" – and the session is a wonderful bit of lost Blue Note – great sharp edges from Jenkins' alto, and some warmer, rounder tones from Burrell on guitar. CD also features 2 bonus alternate takes.

Al Caiola And Friends - Deep In A Dream & Serenade In Blue (2016) {Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD 892 rec 1955}
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© 1955, 2016 Savoy / Fresh Sound Records | FSR-CD 892
Jazz / Cool / Guitar

When guitarist Al Caiola (1920) moved to New York after graduating he was quickly hired as a staff musician by CBS, where his skill and adaptability guaranteed him a heavy radio and TV schedule until he left in 1956; he was, in fact, one of the busiest, most successful and respected session men in New York City throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In 1955, at the peak of his success, he recorded “Deep in a Dream” and “Serenade in Blue” for Savoy Records, two albums which focused on a meticulous and reverent treatment of a collection of well-known standards and of his own originals. Technically impeccable, on these Caiola is backed by an excellent rhythm section, with pianist Hank Jones demonstrating his usual warmth and skill, aided by drummer Kenny Clarke and bassist Clyde Lombardi.

Guitarist Kenny Burrell leads a strong jam session that features the talented but very underrated trumpeter Louis Smith (who sounds a bit like Lee Morgan), the similar but contrasting tenors of Junior Cook and Tina Brooks, pianist Duke Jordan, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Art Blakey. Jordan's tongue-in-cheek "Scotch Blues" is a high point.