A Generation Ago Today
Kenny Burrell · 1967
45 min · 11 tracks · blues
A soulful blend of jazz standards and blues-infused melodies showcasing Burrell's masterful guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
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Poor Butterfly — This track captures Burrell's emotional depth, featuring intricate guitar lines that echo the wistful nature of the lyrics while maintaining a smooth groove.
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Stompin' at the Savoy — A lively rendition of the classic, this track showcases Burrell's rhythmic prowess and improvisational skills, making it a standout highlight of the album.
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Moonglow — Burrell's interpretation of this standard is marked by its lush harmonies and expressive phrasing, illustrating his ability to bring new life to well-known compositions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends jazz and blues effectively, showcasing Burrell's guitar skills while maintaining a cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of blues scales throughout the guitar solos, emphasizing Burrell's jazz-blues fusion.
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with several pieces transitioning from upbeat swing to slower, more reflective passages.
- Burrell's guitar work is often accompanied by subtle horn arrangements that enhance the melodic lines without overpowering them.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with resolution
- nostalgic warmth throughout listening
- for evening relaxation
- smooth transitions between tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer immediate gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1967, 'A Generation Ago Today' finds Kenny Burrell at a pivotal moment, following his acclaimed albums in the early '60s. This album showcases his evolution as an artist, blending traditional jazz with contemporary influences as he solidified his reputation in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Wes Montgomery· Jim Hall
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 As Long as I Live 2:43
- 2 Poor Butterfly 5:49
- 3 Stompin' at the Savoy 6:10
- 4 I Surrender Dear 4:48
- 5 Rose Room 5:33
- 6 If I Had You 2:42
- 7 A Smooth One 4:05
- 8 Wholly Cats 2:44
- 9 Seven Come Eleven 4:02
- 10 Moonglow 3:15
- 11 Flying Home 3:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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