Released 70 years ago
Introducing Kenny Burrell
Kenny Burrell · 1956
41 min · 7 tracks · blues
A smooth blend of jazz and blues that showcases intricate guitar work against a backdrop of lush orchestration.
Top tracks — play these first
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This Time the Dream's on Me — This track opens the album with a gentle, melodic flow that highlights Burrell's expressive guitar technique and sets the tonal atmosphere for the record.
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Fugue 'n Blues — It showcases Burrell's ability to blend complex harmonic ideas with soulful blues elements, demonstrating his unique voice within the jazz genre.
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Blues for Skeeter — The extended format allows Burrell to explore improvisational depth, making it a standout piece that encapsulates his emotive playing style and mastery of blues.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Burrell's debut blends jazz and blues with intricate guitar work, establishing his distinct style early in his career.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow ballad that features Burrell's guitar prominently, setting a reflective mood.
- Each track showcases Burrell's intricate guitar solos, often accompanied by lush orchestration that enhances the bluesy feel.
- The tempo varies throughout, with tracks like 'Rhythmorama' introducing a more upbeat swing before returning to slower pieces.
- Several tracks feature extended improvisation sections, allowing Burrell to explore melodic variations and showcase his technical skill.
- 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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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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 flow with gradual peaks
- timeless elegance for relaxed moments
- rich arrangements for focused listening
- sophisticated soundscapes for contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer shorter, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Introducing Kenny Burrell is Kenny Burrell's debut album, released in 1956 when he was establishing himself as a prominent jazz guitarist. This album marked the beginning of his long and influential career, introducing his unique style that melded blues sensibilities with jazz improvisation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Benson· Wes Montgomery· Jim Hall
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Time the Dream's on Me 4:58
- 2 Fugue 'n Blues 6:48
- 3 Takeela 4:18
- 4 Weaver of Dreams 4:43
- 5 Delilah 6:04
- 6 Rhythmorama 6:27
- 7 Blues for Skeeter 8:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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