Barney Kessel, Vol. 3: To Swing or Not to Swing

Amazon.com
The answer to the world-class trivia question "Name the guitarist who played with Artie Shaw, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, and Chico Marx," Barney Kessel's unusual discography is testimony to his versatility and professionalism. Born in Muskogee, he followed in the professional footsteps of fellow Oklahoman Charlie Christian and evinced a similarly unswerving dedication to swing. Although his later recording frequently paired him with fellow guitarists Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis, these 1955 West coast recordings showcase Kessel as both a soloist and leader in medium combos. A tribute to swing style music, To Swing or Not to Swing mixes Kessel originals with such standards of that era as "Indiana," "Moten Swing," "Louisiana," and "Embraceable You." On board are trumpeter Harry Edison, saxophonists Georgie Auld and Bill Perkins, drummer Shelly Manne, and pianist Jimmy Rowles. Among the album's most outstanding tracks are Kessel's own "Begin the Blues," and a dreamy reading of Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun." A real find for guitar fanatics and West coast jazz fans alike. --Fred Goodman

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Average customer rating: To Swing, indeed! A perfect swing album Barney and Friends

Barney Kessel, Vol. 3: To Swing or Not to Swing Barney Kessel Manufacturer: Ojc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Like, Vol. 1 Kessel Plays Standards Music to Listen to Barney Kessel By Let's Cook! The Poll Winners Ride Again ASIN: B00000GBSG Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. Begin The Blues
2. Louisiana
3. Happy Feeling
4. Embraceable You
5. Wall Street
6. Indiana
7. Moten Swing
8. Midnight Sun
9. Contemporary Blues
10. Don't Blame Me
11. 12th Street Rag

Amazon.com

The answer to the world-class trivia question "Name the guitarist who played with Artie Shaw, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, and Chico Marx," Barney Kessel's unusual discography is testimony to his versatility and professionalism. Born in Muskogee, he followed in the professional footsteps of fellow Oklahoman Charlie Christian and evinced a similarly unswerving dedication to swing. Although his later recording frequently paired him with fellow guitarists Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis, these 1955 West coast recordings showcase Kessel as both a soloist and leader in medium combos. A tribute to swing style music, To Swing or Not to Swing mixes Kessel originals with such standards of that era as "Indiana," "Moten Swing," "Louisiana," and "Embraceable You." On board are trumpeter Harry Edison, saxophonists Georgie Auld and Bill Perkins, drummer Shelly Manne, and pianist Jimmy Rowles. Among the album's most outstanding tracks are Kessel's own "Begin the Blues," and a dreamy reading of Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun." A real find for guitar fanatics and West coast jazz fans alike. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

To Swing, indeed!.......2007-05-26

The playing here is bright and upbeat if a little muted by the production. Kessel's work is impeccable on both the ballads and uptempo numbers displaying all aspects of his inimitable sound. The economy of the arrangements here are emphasized by the production as the horn section take a back seat and Barney is front and center. If you enjoy that cool west coast style of the 50's this one's for you.

A perfect swing album.......2005-11-12

This is real west coast swing with great performers and improv. The other reviewer is right about taking a second look to check if it is a JATP granz production. Check out the later Basie Jam albums for great stuff too---I think Joe Pass is on those. Barney and Joe are my top favorite players. Buy it and smile.

Barney and Friends.......2000-08-13

I had to look twice to make sure that this wasn't a Norman Granz-produced JATP concert or Verve recording session because it sure swings like one and features many of the "usual suspects". Recorded in 1955, this red hot session features one of the era's best swing guitars (in the tradition of Herb Ellis, Tal farlow or Jimmy Raney) backed by a group of mostly west coast studio jocks and big band alumni. Edison is superb as always, Auld and Bill Perkins do a nice job on tenor respectively, Jimmy Rowles does his best Count Basie imitation (and a good one it is) with Red Mitchell and Shelly Manne down in the engine room. 11 charts in all, mostly up-tempo blues, swing standards and a ballad or two for Kessel to shine. There's a particularly tight version of Moten Swing that allows everyone lots of room to cut loose and a lovely duet between Kessel and Rowles on Midnight Sun. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Barney Kessel, Vol. 3: To Swing or Not to Swing Barney Kessel Manufacturer: Contemporary ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000FZDNOA Release Date: 2006-08-07

Tracks:

1. Begin the Blues
2. Louisiana
3. Happy Feeling
4. Embraceable You
5. Wail Street
6. (Back Home Again In) Indiana
7. Moten Swing
8. Midnight Sun
9. Contemporary Blues
10. Don't Blame Me
11. Twelfth Street Rag

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating: To Swing, indeed! A perfect swing album Barney and Friends

Barney Kessel, Vol. 3: To Swing or Not to Swing Barney Kessel Manufacturer: Contemporary ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Like, Vol. 1 Kessel Plays Standards Music to Listen to Barney Kessel By Let's Cook! The Poll Winners Ride Again ASIN: B000000YHR Release Date: 1956-01-01

Tracks:

1. Begin The Blues
2. Louisiana
3. Happy Feeling
4. Embraceable You
5. Wall Street
6. Indiana
7. Moten Swing
8. Midnight Sun
9. Contemporary Blues
10. Don't Blame Me
11. 12th Street Rag

Amazon.com

The answer to the world-class trivia question "Name the guitarist who played with Artie Shaw, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, and Chico Marx," Barney Kessel's unusual discography is testimony to his versatility and professionalism. Born in Muskogee, he followed in the professional footsteps of fellow Oklahoman Charlie Christian and evinced a similarly unswerving dedication to swing. Although his later recording frequently paired him with fellow guitarists Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis, these 1955 West coast recordings showcase Kessel as both a soloist and leader in medium combos. A tribute to swing style music, To Swing or Not to Swing mixes Kessel originals with such standards of that era as "Indiana," "Moten Swing," "Louisiana," and "Embraceable You." On board are trumpeter Harry Edison, saxophonists Georgie Auld and Bill Perkins, drummer Shelly Manne, and pianist Jimmy Rowles. Among the album's most outstanding tracks are Kessel's own "Begin the Blues," and a dreamy reading of Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun." A real find for guitar fanatics and West coast jazz fans alike. --Fred Goodman

Customer Reviews:

To Swing, indeed!.......2007-05-26

The playing here is bright and upbeat if a little muted by the production. Kessel's work is impeccable on both the ballads and uptempo numbers displaying all aspects of his inimitable sound. The economy of the arrangements here are emphasized by the production as the horn section take a back seat and Barney is front and center. If you enjoy that cool west coast style of the 50's this one's for you.

A perfect swing album.......2005-11-12

This is real west coast swing with great performers and improv. The other reviewer is right about taking a second look to check if it is a JATP granz production. Check out the later Basie Jam albums for great stuff too---I think Joe Pass is on those. Barney and Joe are my top favorite players. Buy it and smile.

Barney and Friends.......2000-08-13

I had to look twice to make sure that this wasn't a Norman Granz-produced JATP concert or Verve recording session because it sure swings like one and features many of the "usual suspects". Recorded in 1955, this red hot session features one of the era's best swing guitars (in the tradition of Herb Ellis, Tal farlow or Jimmy Raney) backed by a group of mostly west coast studio jocks and big band alumni. Edison is superb as always, Auld and Bill Perkins do a nice job on tenor respectively, Jimmy Rowles does his best Count Basie imitation (and a good one it is) with Red Mitchell and Shelly Manne down in the engine room. 11 charts in all, mostly up-tempo blues, swing standards and a ballad or two for Kessel to shine. There's a particularly tight version of Moten Swing that allows everyone lots of room to cut loose and a lovely duet between Kessel and Rowles on Midnight Sun. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Barney Kessel, Vol. 3: To Swing or Not to Swing Barney Kessel Manufacturer: Jvc Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005J4CJ Release Date: 2001-05-23

Tracks:

1. Begin the Blues
2. Louisiana
3. Happy Feeling
4. Embraceable You
5. Wail Street
6. (Back Home Again In) Indiana
7. Moten Swing
8. Midnight Sun
9. Contemporary Blues
10. Don't Blame Me
11. Twelfth Street Rag

Album Details

Japanese version featuring a limited LP style slipcase. 20bit digital K2 mastering.

Jazz Music:

1. Bocato: Tributo a Pixinguinha
2. Bop Stew [Live]
3. Breakout
4. Brothers for Life
5. Can't We Begin Again [Import]
6. Carnival of Souls
7. Cat Food
8. Crazy Rhythm
9. Doin' the 'Thang' (Jpn Lp Sleeve) [Import]
10. Dream Come True

Jazz Music

jazz music