Kenny Burrell - Early Years: Blue Note Sessions 1956-58 (2026)

American guitarist, composer, and educator Kenny Burrell, born in 1931, made a foundational contribution to the development of modern jazz. Since his recording debut in 1951, he built a career spanning over six decades, distinguishing himself both as a versatile sideman and an influential bandleader. A pivotal chapter in his legacy is defined by his early recording sessions for the iconic Blue Note label, produced by Alfred Lion (Alfred Lion). These sessions fully embraced the extended playing time of the newly introduced LP format, allowing musicians to stretch out in lengthy improvisational solos.

The 21-track 2-CD compilation gathers essential material from the guitarist's debut releases on Blue Note, incorporating the albums Introducing Kenny Burrell, Kenny Burrell, Blue Lights Vol. 1, and the majority of Blue Lights Vol. 2. The recordings capture Kenny Burrell's (Kenny Burrell) collaborations with a stellar lineup of jazz legends, including pianist Tommy Flanagan (Tommy Flanagan), bassist Paul Chambers (Paul Chambers), drummer Art Blakey (Art Blakey), saxophonist Tina Brooks (Tina Brooks), and percussionist Candido Camero (Candido Camero). The collection showcases his fluid improvisation, refined technique, and signature approach to jazz guitar within the frameworks of bop and hard bop.

Tracklist:
1-1 Kenny Burrell - Phinupi [4:40]
1-2 Kenny Burrell - Now See How You Are [5:51]
1-3 Kenny Burrell - How About You [5:12]
1-4 Kenny Burrell - Cheeta [4:40]
1-5 Kenny Burrell - Moten Swing [6:06]
1-6 Kenny Burrell - Mexico City [6:36]
1-7 Kenny Burrell - Get Happy [4:00]
1-8 Kenny Burrell - Fugue 'N' Blues [6:47]
1-9 Kenny Burrell - Takeela [4:18]
1-10 Kenny Burrell - Delilah [6:03]
1-11 Kenny Burrell - Blues For Skeeter [8:06]
1-12 Kenny Burrell - This Time The Dream's On Me [4:58]
1-13 Kenny Burrell - Rhythmorama [6:24]

2-1 Kenny Burrell - Weaver Of Dreams [4:43]
2-2 Kenny Burrell - But Not For Me [3:47]
2-3 Kenny Burrell - Scotch Blues [7:57]
2-4 Kenny Burrell - Yes Baby [11:04]
2-5 Kenny Burrell - The Man I Love [6:45]
2-6 Kenny Burrell - Autumn In New York [5:45]
2-7 Kenny Burrell - Caravan [9:54]
2-8 Kenny Burrell - Chuckin' [12:11]
2-9 Kenny Burrell - Rock Salt [11:18]