Bands & artists like Kenny Burrell

If you like Kenny Burrell, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

New to Kenny Burrell? Start with our listening guide.

Artists to try next

Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery

Montgomery's use of thumb-picking and complex chord voicings offers a contemplative yet expressive guitar sound akin to Burrell's style.

hard bop jazz jazz fusion
Jim Hall

Jim Hall

Hall's subtle approach to jazz guitar emphasizes intricate melodies and harmonies that resonate with Burrell's deliberate pacing.

cool jazz jazz
Grant Green

Grant Green

Green's blend of jazz and blues with a focus on groove and melody parallels Burrell's expressive guitar work.

jazz
John Scofield

John Scofield

Guide

Scofield's fusion of jazz with bluesy elements showcases a similar emotive guitar style that complements Burrell's aesthetic.

jazz jazz fusion
Pat Metheny

Pat Metheny

Guide

Metheny’s lyrical guitar lines and diverse influences create an atmospheric quality reminiscent of Burrell’s intricate melodies.

Latin pop hard bop jazz
Larry Carlton

Larry Carlton

Guide

Carlton’s blend of jazz, blues, and rock features a smooth guitar tone and expressive phrasing that aligns well with Burrell's sound.

blues contemporary jazz crossover jazz
Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt

Reinhardt’s gypsy jazz style, characterized by intricate melodies and improvisation, shares a similar emotional depth with Burrell’s playing.

Gypsy jazz Romani music bebop
Oscar Peterson

Oscar Peterson

Guide

While primarily a pianist, Peterson’s jazz compositions often feature rich harmonic structures that complement Burrell’s melodic sensibilities.

bebop blues funk

Common questions

Who sounds like Kenny Burrell?

Artists similar to Kenny Burrell include Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Grant Green and John Scofield. Each shares elements of Kenny Burrell's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is Kenny Burrell?

Kenny Burrell is primarily known for blues, jazz and soul. With a rich timbre and deliberate pacing, Burrell's guitar weaves intricate melodies that sway between contemplative pauses and fervent bursts of expression.

Where should I start if I like Kenny Burrell?

If you enjoy Kenny Burrell, start with Wes Montgomery — their album "The Wes Montgomery Trio" is a great entry point. Montgomery's use of thumb-picking and complex chord voicings offers a contemplative yet expressive guitar sound akin to Burrell's style.