Sunday, November 30, 2008

Kenny Burrell - Out Of This World (Prestige, 1968)



This session was originally released as Bluesy Burrell on the Prestige sub-label Moodsville in 1962, featuring Coleman Hawkins on tenor saxophone. Considering there is little info to be found on this reissue, we'll have a look at the AMG review for the orginal release (minus the parts that concern the CD reissue).

Review by Jim Todd
This session is valuable for the majestic playing of tenor great Coleman Hawkins, who performs on half of the eight tracks. While originally released on the Prestige subsidiary Moodsville -- a label that specialized in recordings with an intimate, reflective atmosphere -- the Moodsville sound doesn't sit comfortably on Hawkins. His playing is brilliantly relaxed, but it's not mood music. Leader Kenny Burrell's playing is much more in line with the Moodsville groove. The guitarist is not amplified as much as he is on his Prestige dates from this time. In fact, he performs on a nylon-string instrument almost as much as he does on his hollow-body electric. Unlike Hawkins, Burrell's subdued contribution is made to measure for this date. Listeners expecting to hear Burrell the hard bopper won't. The key moments come during the interaction between the guitarist and tenor player, especially during their exchanges on Burrell's "Montono Blues." The rhythm section, Hawkins' working band from this period (pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Major Holley, and drummer Eddie Locke), provide impeccable, sublime support.

Have a listen and then peep the rest here if you like.

3 comments:

Jazzsoulman said...

Thank you for posting this lovely album

Jazzjet said...

Just picked up on your great blog ( via Shad Shack ) and wanted to thank you for posting such fantastic music. Maybe you should get yourself on Totally Fuzzy as a way of getting your blog more widely viewed?

robert said...

I don't even nkow what Totally Fuzzy is! Admittedly I'm pretty lackadaisical when it comes to this place. I guess I'll look it up. Thanks!