Feeling Free
Barney Kessel · 1969
40 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of jazz and folk melodies, showcasing intricate guitar work and emotive interpretations.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Sounds of Silence — This track exemplifies Kessel's skill in transforming a pop classic into a nuanced jazz interpretation, blending emotional depth with technical proficiency.
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Blue Grass — With its intricate arrangements and lively tempo, this piece showcases Kessel's mastery over both jazz and folk influences, making it a standout track.
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Blues Up, Down and All Around — This composition highlights Kessel's improvisational flair and deep understanding of blues traditions, reflecting the album's diverse musical palette.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalKessel's intricate guitar work and varied tempos create a compelling yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a brisk tempo in 'Moving Up', establishing an energetic tone that persists through the first three tracks.
- Each track features intricate guitar solos that blend jazz improvisation with folk influences, particularly evident in 'Blue Grass'.
- The arrangement of 'The Sounds of Silence' incorporates a slower, reflective pace, contrasting sharply with the preceding upbeat tracks.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- captivating improvisation with warmth
- ideal for afternoon relaxation
- gentle melodies for reflective moments
- engaging rhythms for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeks high-energy instant gratification
- prefers fast-paced, short tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1969, Feeling Free marked Barney Kessel's return to the recording scene after a brief hiatus from album releases. This album followed his work on soundtracks and collaborations, reflecting a phase where he sought personal expression through a blend of genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Django Reinhardt· Stochelo Rosenberg· Joscho Stephan
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Moving Up 5:14
- 2 Blue Grass 9:24
- 3 This Guy's in Love With You 5:14
- 4 Blues Up, Down and All Around 8:21
- 5 The Sounds of Silence 7:39
- 6 Two Note Samba 4:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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