Tribute to Kenny Burrel:
In addition to being a professor and director of one of the most prestigious American music universities (UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music), Kenny Burrel was also a highly gifted guitarist. He was greatly inspired by Django Reinhardt, but also by blues giants such as T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters.
His most famous composition is ‘Midnight Blue’, but perhaps more well-known is his work as a session musician, in which he accompanied the big stars of jazz from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
For instance, he toured with Oscar Peterson and Tommy Flanagan. He could be heard on records by Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, and Jimmy Smith, and later played in Benny Goodman’s orchestra. He experienced musical highlights with John Coltrane in the piece “The Cats” and with Stanley Turrentine in the afore mentioned ‘Midnight Blue’, and he also had success with arranger Gil Evans.
A tribute to this great guitar hero could therefore not be missed. Let us gladly reintroduce you to the musical greatness of this guitar hero.