Kenny Burrell is a revered figure in the realm of jazz, known for his elegant and expressive guitar playing, which remains influential in the genre. Born on July 31, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, Burrell's career spans over seven decades, a testimony to his enduring artistry and innovation. He began playing guitar in his late teens and quickly became absorbed in the Detroit jazz scene, where he played with other future greats such as Tommy Flanagan, Pepper Adams, and Donald Byrd.

Burrell's professional breakthrough occurred when he moved to New York City in the mid-1950s, where his sophisticated phrasing and harmonic knowledge earned him immediate respect among peers. He has since recorded as a leader for numerous labels including Blue Note, Prestige, and Verve, produced a vast discography, and has worked with a litany of jazz luminaries like Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Jimmy Smith, to name just a few. Not limited to performance, he's also had a significant impact as an educator, having taught at UCLA and written extensively on the subject of jazz. Recent releases such as "Unlimited 1 (Live at Catalina's)" and "75th Birthday Bash Live!" highlight Burrell's exceptional talent as a live performer, remaining a distinguished and soulful presence in the landscape of jazz guitar.

Genres

Bebop

Jazz

Jazz Guitar

Soul Jazz

Straight-ahead Jazz

Related Artists

George Benson

Wes Montgomery

Grant Green

Jim Hall

Pat Martino

Pat Metheny

Django Reinhardt

Joe Pass

Charlie Christian

Herb Ellis

Gary Moore

Lee Ritenour

Latest Release

Easy - Live Now

Kenny Burrell

Album - 17 Tracks - Released May 10, 2024