Kenny Burrell

United States

"With a rich timbre and deliberate pacing, Burrell's guitar weaves intricate melodies that sway between contemplative pauses and fervent bursts of expression."

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Begin with Kenny Burrell…

Sunup to Sundown

1991

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Career Arc

Kenny Burrell's discography from 1956 to 2009

1956 1982 2009

Introducing Kenny Burrell (1956) All Day Long (1957) Kenny Burrell Volume 2 (1957) Kenny Burrell (1957) All Night Long (1957) Earthy (1957) Blue Lights (1958) On View at the Five Spot... (1959) A Night at the Vanguard (1959) Weaver of Dreams (1961) Bluesy Burrell (1962) Kenny Burrell and John Co... (1963) Blue Bash! (1963) Crash! (1963) Soul Call (1964) Guitar Forms (1965) The Tender Gender (1966) Have Yourself a Soulful L... (1966) A Generation Ago Today (1967) Midnight Blue (1967)

Kenny Burrell matters because he serves as a bridge between the blues and jazz traditions, enriching both genres while inviting listeners into an intimate sonic landscape.

Kenny Burrell matters because he serves as a bridge between the blues and jazz traditions, enriching both genres while inviting listeners into an intimate sonic landscape. His work has influenced countless guitarists and shaped the development of jazz guitar, making it a crucial voice in ensemble settings and solo performances alike. Through his nuanced interpretations and innovative technique, Burrell has helped define what it means to express deep emotion through instrumental music. Burrell’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the blues, which informs his phrasing and tone, allowing him to convey a narrative quality without words. He often employs a warm, resonant sound that emphasizes both subtlety and power, using space as effectively as melody to create tension and release within his songs. This distinctive style showcases not only his technical skill but also his ability to imbue every note with feeling. In his songwriting, Burrell tends to explore themes of love, loss, and longing, weaving personal stories with universal emotions. His voice is one of sincerity; rather than relying on irony or detachment, he invites listeners to experience his journey alongside him. The result is a deeply engaging sound that resonates on multiple levels.

Full discography

Kenny Burrell's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

55 releases • 53 albums • 1956–2009

Type:

Albums ()

Introducing Kenny Burrell: The First Blue Note Sessions

2000

Sunup to Sundown

1991

Togethering

1985

Groovin' High

1984

Bluesin' Around

1983

Listen to the Dawn

1983

Freedom

1980

Heritage

1980

Swingin'

1980

K. B. Blues

1979

Handcrafted

1979

When Lights Are Low

1979

Moon and Sand

1979

Ellington Is Forever Volume Two

1977

Tin Tin Deo

1977

Sky Street

1976

Ellington Is Forever

1975

Up the Street, 'Round the Corner, Down the Block

1974

Both Feet on the Ground

1973

'Round Midnight

1972

God Bless the Child

1971

Prime: Live at the Downtown Room

2009

Then Along Came Kenny

1994

Ellington a la Carte

1993

Guiding Spirit

1990

Pieces of Blue and the Blues

1988

Generation

1987

Kenny Burrell in New York

Kenny Burrell Live at the Village Vanguard

A la Carte

Asphalt Canyon Suite

1969

Night Song

1969

Blues – The Common Ground

1968

A Generation Ago Today

1967

Midnight Blue

1967

Ode to 52nd Street

1967

The Tender Gender

1966

Have Yourself a Soulful Little Christmas

1966

Guitar Forms

1965

Soul Call

1964

Kenny Burrell and John Coltrane

1963

Blue Bash!

1963

Crash!

1963

Bluesy Burrell

1962

Weaver of Dreams

1961

On View at the Five Spot Cafe

1959

Blue Lights

1958

All Day Long

1957

Kenny Burrell Volume 2

1957

Kenny Burrell

1957

All Night Long

1957

Earthy

1957

Introducing Kenny Burrell

1956

Live Albums ()

A Night at the Vanguard

1959

Compilations ()

Stormy Monday

1978

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Introducing Kenny Bu... (1956)

Kenny Burrell (1957)

All Day Long (1957)

All Night Long (1957)

Earthy (1957)

Kenny Burrell Volume... (1957)

Blue Lights (1958)

On View at the Five... (1959)

Weaver of Dreams (1961)

Bluesy Burrell (1962)

Kenny Burrell and Jo... (1963)

The Tender Gender (1966)

Have Yourself a Soulful Little Christmas

Have Yourself a Soul... (1966)

A Generation Ago Tod... (1967)

Midnight Blue (1967)

Ode to 52nd Street (1967)

Blues – The Common G... (1968)

Asphalt Canyon Suite (1969)

Night Song (1969)

God Bless the Child (1971)

'Round Midnight (1972)

Both Feet on the Gro... (1973)

Up the Street, 'Round the Corner, Down the Block

Up the Street, 'Roun... (1974)

Ellington Is Forever (1975)

Sky Street (1976)

Ellington Is Forever... (1977)

Tin Tin Deo (1977)

K. B. Blues (1979)

Handcrafted (1979)

When Lights Are Low (1979)

Bluesin' Around (1983)

Listen to the Dawn (1983)

Groovin' High (1984)

Togethering (1985)

Generation (1987)

Pieces of Blue and t... (1988)

Guiding Spirit (1990)

Sunup to Sundown (1991)

Ellington a la Carte (1993)

Then Along Came Kenn... (1994)

Introducing Kenny Burrell: The First Blue Note Sessions

Introducing Kenny Bu... (2000)

Prime: Live at the D... (2009)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kenny Burrell sound like?

With a rich timbre and deliberate pacing, Burrell's guitar weaves intricate melodies that sway between contemplative pauses and fervent bursts of expression. Rooted in blues and jazz. Start with Midnight Blue.

What is the best Kenny Burrell album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Midnight Blue" (1967). It's the most representative of what makes Kenny Burrell worth hearing.

Who is Kenny Burrell for?

If you're into blues and jazz, Kenny Burrell is worth your time. With a rich timbre and deliberate pacing, Burrell's guitar weaves intricate melodies that sway between contemplative pauses and fervent bursts of expression.

How many albums does Kenny Burrell have?

Kenny Burrell has 55 releases in their discography, including 53 albums.

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