What makes Midnight Blue by Kenny Burrell notable?

Midnight Blue became a noteworthy entry in the jazz genre, celebrated for its rich textures and emotional depth. The album received critical acclaim and contributed to Burrell's lasting influence on both jazz and blues, solidifying his status as a key player in the development of soul-infused jazz. Released in 1967, Midnight Blue was Kenny Burrell's first album after signing with the renowned Blue Note Records. At this point in his career, Burrell had already established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, but this record marked a significant artistic peak, showcasing his ability to blend blues with jazz elements.

Who is Midnight Blue for?

Midnight Blue works well if you're into late-night introspection and reflection, steady mid-tempo grooves throughout and smooth flow for relaxed listening.

How many songs are on Midnight Blue?

Midnight Blue has 9 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Midnight Blue

Kenny Burrell · 1967

43 min · 9 tracks · blues

Smooth guitar melodies intertwine with soulful rhythms, creating a laid-back yet emotionally resonant jazz experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Chitlins Con Carne — This track features a captivating groove that exemplifies Burrell's seamless melding of jazz and blues, setting the tone for the album's overall vibe.
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Midnight Blue — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its haunting melodies and intricate guitar work, highlighting Burrell's emotive playing style.
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Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You — This rendition showcases Burrell's deep connection to the blues tradition while incorporating sophisticated jazz harmonies, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar compositions and solid craftsmanship, with a cohesive flow that rewards repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of bluesy guitar lines that are complemented by a small ensemble, creating a cohesive sound throughout.
Each track maintains a laid-back tempo, with several pieces featuring extended improvisation sections that showcase Burrell's guitar work.
The first half of the album introduces more melodic and structured pieces, while the latter half leans into deeper, more exploratory improvisations.

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

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

late-night introspection and reflection
steady mid-tempo grooves throughout
smooth flow for relaxed listening
soulful melodies for winding down

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced excitement
prefer upbeat party vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1967, Midnight Blue was Kenny Burrell's first album after signing with the renowned Blue Note Records. At this point in his career, Burrell had already established himself as a prominent figure in jazz, but this record marked a significant artistic peak, showcasing his ability to blend blues with jazz elements.
Stylistic neighbors: George Benson· Wes Montgomery· Jim Hall