Search - Barney Kessel :: Yesterday

Swing is THE thing

Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 12/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Usually you can find this cd at a fairly low price because it belongs to Black Lion and the label use to practice low prices. But this album is really great don't be fooled by the fairy price tag, it contains some of the greatest and most balanced performances Barney gave in his illustrious four decades career. Low price but great jazz, great guitar playing. Right from Laura you have everything Barney was about, tender intros with open voicings, hard swing, bop lines, strong sound, perect time sense and his trademark sweep stuff (primitive, a little bit confused I must admit sweep picking). This album swings very hard believe me. Fantastic "It's a blue world", probably the best tune here and "Bridging the blues" similar to "Let's cook" in its format. But Summertime went out really great and Old devil moon too. Yesterday is not the standard tune but the music written by Lennon and Mcartney of Beatles fame. Everything in this live performance went out great. Not only Barney swung hard and cooked. All the guys here were very inspired by Barney's playing and focused on his way of feeling music and swing. I hate to repeat myself but I have to here. Don't be fooled by the fairy price. This is ADULT very serious, very joyful jazz. I love this record which is about capitol SWING."