Like the Thornton Wilder classic play Our Town, this disc of guitarist Kenny Burrell takes a “typical” show at the famed LA nightclub, Catalina’s and delivers a “typical” set of tunes. You get the entire 75 minute set, just without the parking fee, two drink minimum and cover charge. That’s what makes this disc so precious; it’s completely unpretentious, making it even more precious. He’s made over 100 of his own albums, and since I’ve been seeing him in the late 70s I’ve never scene a show that was less than inspiring and classy.
Here, he teams up with some of the best LA has to offer: Justo Almario/ts-fl, Tom Ranier/p, Tony Dumas/b and Clayton Cameron/dr all have careers that range from Dancing with the Stars to first-call session work. The groove on a piece like “Killer Joe,” or the fluffy flute on “Little Sunflower” are timeless works of art. As always, Burrell is the epitome of style and grace; “Lament” is a jewel, while “In A Sentimental Mood” can easily be the version to compare all others to. Burrell even sings for a hip take of “The Feeling of Jazz” and makes it work. Closing with an old friend “Chitlins Con Carne” Burrell and company give a textbook lesson on why you’re supposed to like jazz. This is what dreams are made of.
High Note Records