What makes Earthy by Kenny Burrell notable?

The album is notable for its innovative fusion of jazz and blues elements, contributing to the development of soul-jazz during the late 1950s. It received positive critical reception, solidifying Burrell's status in the jazz scene, and has since influenced countless guitarists in both jazz and blues genres. Earthy marks Kenny Burrell's third studio album, released in 1957 after his breakthrough with Blue Note. At this point in his career, Burrell was solidifying his reputation as a leading jazz guitarist, following the success of his self-titled debut and the acclaimed 'Midnight Blue.' This album represents a pivotal moment where he began to explore deeper emotional expressions through his music.

Earthy works well if you're into steady pacing with gradual build, soulful guitar for reflective moments and rich textures for intimate evenings.

How many songs are on Earthy?

Earthy has 5 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Earthy

Kenny Burrell · 1957

43 min · 5 tracks · blues

A lush blend of smooth jazz guitar and soulful rhythms that evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Earthy — The title track showcases Burrell's intricate guitar work, blending improvisation with a structured melody that defines the album's character.
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What's Not — This track features a captivating interplay between rhythm and melody, highlighting Burrell's ability to weave storytelling into his solos.
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Dayee — At over fourteen minutes long, this expansive piece allows Burrell to explore themes of longing and tranquility through extended melodic lines.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Burrell's blend of jazz and blues showcases strong composition and craft, creating a distinct sound within its era.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a slow, bluesy guitar melody accompanied by subtle percussion and bass.
Each of the five tracks maintains a relaxed tempo, with Burrell's guitar weaving intricate lines over smooth chord progressions.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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

steady pacing with gradual build
soulful guitar for reflective moments
rich textures for intimate evenings
evocative soundscapes for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening experiences
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Earthy marks Kenny Burrell's third studio album, released in 1957 after his breakthrough with Blue Note. At this point in his career, Burrell was solidifying his reputation as a leading jazz guitarist, following the success of his self-titled debut and the acclaimed 'Midnight Blue.' This album represents a pivotal moment where he began to explore deeper emotional expressions through his music.
Stylistic neighbors: George Benson· Wes Montgomery· Jim Hall