02.02.08
Barney Kessel, 1923-2004
Barney Kessel was one of the great jazz guitarists. I saw him in concert (along with Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd) when I lived in Iowa City, a great pleasure. Wikipedia:
In the 1950s, he made a series of albums called “The Poll Winners” with Ray Brown on bass and Shelly Manne on drums. He was also responsible for the prominent guitar on Julie London’s definitive recording of “Cry Me a River“. Also from the 50s, his three “Kessell Plays Standards” volumns contain some of his most polished work.
Kessel was also a member of the Oscar Peterson Trio with Ray Brown in the early 1950s. The guitar chair was called the hardest gig in show business since Peterson often liked to play at breakneck tempos. Herb Ellis took over from Kessel after a year or so.
And here he is with Herb Ellis:
