Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane [Remaster]

Performer: Kenny Burrell
Artist: Tommy Flanagan; Paul Chambers; Jimmy Cobb
Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder
Producer: Bob Weinstock
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Kenny Burrell (guitar); John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Tommy Flanagan (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); Jimmy Cobb (drums). Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on March 7, 1958. Includes liner notes by Robert Levin and Mark Gardner. Digitally remastered by Kirk Felton (1987, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California). Personnel: Kenny Burrell (guitar); John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Tommy Flanagan (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); Jimmy Cobb (drums). Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on March 7, 1958. Originally released on New Jazz (8276). Personnel: Kenny Burrell (guitar); John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Tommy Flanagan (piano); Paul Chambers (upright bass); Jimmy Cobb (drums). For his final Prestige-related session as a sideman, John Coltrane (tenor sax) and Kenny Burrell (guitar) are supported by an all-star cast of Paul Chambers (bass), Jimmy Cobb (drums), and Tommy Flanagan (piano). This short but sweet gathering cut their teeth on two Flanagancompositions, another two lifted from the Great American Songbook, and a Kenny Burrell original. Flanagan's tunes open and close the album, with the spirited "Freight Trane" getting the platter underway. While not one of Coltrane's most assured performances, he chases the groove right into the hands of Burrell. The guitarist spins sonic gold and seems to inspire similar contributions from Chambers' bowed bass and Coltrane alike. Especially as the participants pass fours (read: four bars) between them at the song's conclusion. The Gus Kahn/Ted Fio Rito standard "I Never Knew" frolics beneath Burrell's nimble fretwork. Once he passes the reigns to Coltrane, the differences in their styles are more readily apparent, with Burrell organically emerging while Coltrane sounds comparatively farther out structurally. Much of the same can likewise be associated to Burrell's own "Lyresto," with the two co-leads gracefully trading and incorporating spontaneous ideas. While not as pronounced, the disparity in the way the performance is approached is a study in unifying and complementary contrasts. The delicate "Why Was I Born" is one for the ages as Burrell and Coltrane are captured in a once-in-a-lifetime duet. Together they weave an uncanny and revealing sonic tapestry that captures a pure and focused intimacy. This, thanks in part to the complete restraint of the ensemble, who take the proverbial "pause for the cause" and sit out. What remains is the best argument for the meeting of these two jazz giants. The performance can likewise be located on the various-artists Original Jazz Classics: The Prestige Sampler (1988) and Playboy Jazz After Dark (2002) and is worth checking out, regardless of where one might find it. In many ways the showpiece of the project is Flanagan's nearly quarter-hour "Big Paul." The pianist's lengthy intro establishes a laid-back bop-centric melody with his trademark stylish keyboards perfectly balancing Chambers and Cobb's rock-solid timekeeping. Coltrane's restraint is palpable as he traverses and examines his options with insightful double-time flurries that assert themselves then retreat into the larger extent of his solo. Those interested in charting the saxophonist's progression should make specific note of his work here. ~ Lindsay Planer During his final months with Miles Davis' group, John Coltrane participated in a number of recording sessions for Prestige independently of Davis. This album is but one such recording. In 1958, when this recording was made, Coltrane may have been at his creative peak. During this period, his work began to transcend "bebop" and "cool," anticipating even more modern developments in jazz-changes that would affect a whole generation of musicians. On KENNY BURRELL WITH JOHN COLTRANE, we hear the two jazz masters creating time-honored renditions of tunes such as "Why Was I Born," a duet that highlights the musicians' ability to not only savor each note, but to take a rather plaintive composition and develop it organically. Burrell, Coltrane, and company swing "Freight Trane" with great authority, thanks to the drumming acumen of Jimmy Cobb. On this tune, Coltrane uses a variety of sudden flourishes and lyrical lines, while Burrell comps chords in simpatico. Most importantly, this album represents the one-time chemistry of Burrell and Coltrane. That alone makes this CD a must.

Detroit guitarist Kenny Burrell is one of the most influential guitar players in jazz. He started out performing with Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, and even Benny Goodman in the 1950s. Under his own name, he released some important collaborative efforts with John Coltrane and Jimmy Smith. Throughout the '60s, with such albums as the iconic MIDNIGHT BLUE, he helped define the modern concept of jazz guitar, and continued to explore the style for decades to come.

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