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Kenny Burrell: Unlimited 1, Live at Catalina's
ByIn his opening remarks, Burrell says a part of the orchestra's mission is to become a repertory ensemble playing "the great jazz classics and standards," a purpose that is somewhat underplayed here, as only four of the ten numbers would qualify as such. Besides soloing on all but one selection, Burrell sings on two (Duke Pearson's "Jeannine," his own "Remembering"), guest Barbara Morrison on one (the bravura finale, "Things Ain't What They Used to Be"). Although his voice is by no means polished, Burrell manages to reach the proper notes; Morrison, meanwhile, lends a bluesy patina to the Ellington classic, on which Burrell and the orchestra swing with abandon.
Burrell's co-directors are composer / arranger / guitarist Charley Harrison and trumpeter Bobby Rodriguez, and among the album's highlights is Rodriguez' loping Latin-accented romp, "Mama Ya Ya," written to honor his great-great grandmother (on his mother's side). Rodriguez also composed the multi-faceted "Adelante!" as a showpiece for Burrell and the orchestra. Completing the amiable program are Burrell's lyrical "Be Yourself" (inspired, he writes, by Ellington) and power-packed "Fourth Dimensions" (arranged by Don Sickler), Richard Evans' evocative blues, "Soulero" (featuring versatile drummer Clayton Cameron) and a Billy Strayhorn medley ("Passion Flower," "Take the 'A' Train"), on the last of which the trumpet section reprises Ray Nance's original solo.
In sum, an auspicious debut by the Jazz Unlimited Orchestra, whose sections are laden with some of the area's most accomplished sidemen, and another solid outing for Burrell who is at home in any arena.
Track Listing
Spoken Introduction; Stolen Moments; Jeannine; Be Yourself; Spoken Introduction; Remembering; Spoken Introduction; Mama Ya Ya; Fourth Dimensions (a.k.a. Kenny’s Sound); Adelante; Spoken Introduction; Soulero; Spoken Introduction; Strayhorn Medley (Passion Flower / Take the “A” Train); Spoken Introduction; Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.
Personnel
Kenny Burrell
guitar, electricKenny Burrell: artistic director, electric guitar, vocals, commentary; Los Angeles Jazz Orchestra Unlimited: Charley Harrison, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez: co-directors; Bobby Rodriguez: trumpet; Mike Price: trumpet; Dave Richards: trumpet; Jon Papanbrook: trumpet; Tom Marino: trumpet; Andre Delano: alto sax; Justo Almario: tenor sax, flute; Scott Mayo: tenor sax; Charles Owens: baritone sax; Nick De Pinna: trombone; Ryan Porter: trombone; Billy Mitchell: piano; Trevor Ware: bass; Clayton Cameron: drums; Barbara Morrison: vocal (16). Other personnel unlisted.
Album information
Title: Unlimited 1, Live at Catalina's | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: HighNote Records
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About Kenny Burrell
Instrument: Guitar, electric
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