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Review 1
Guitarist Kenny Burrell is at the peak of his understated powers on this piano-less 1967 session. Joined by Stanley Turrentine, regular rhythm section partners Major Holley and Bill English, and Ray Barretto on conga, Burrell sets up a sparse, earthy feel on this blues-focused, nearly all-original program.
"Chitlins Con Carne," a quintessential Blue Note single if ever there was one, kicks off the session, followed by the slow blues "Mule" (titled after its namesake and co-writer, Major Holley). Burrell then breaks up the pace with "Soul Lament," a brief, Spanish-tinged meditation for solo guitar. The title track, a 16-bar midtempo swinger, is one of three tunes not to feature Turrentine - the others being "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You" (the sole cover) and the bonus track "K Twist." The waltz-time "Wavy Gravy" adds yet another wrinkle on the blues theme, while "Saturday Night Blues" closes the original program in down-and-dirty, slow shuffle mode. Another bonus track, "Kenny's Sound," features the band warming up on uptempo rhythm changes.
While Midnight Blue is undoubtedly a jazz record, it contains moments that qualify as straight blues and unadulterated soul. Blue Note has always led the way in documenting this kind of fertile cross-pollination.  |
Players
Stanley Turrentine, Major Holly Jr., Bill English,R.Barretto |
Tracks
1. Chitlins Con Carne
2. Mule
3. Soul Lament
4. Midnight Blue
5. Wavy Gravy
6. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
7. Saturday Night Blues
8. Kenny's Sound - (bonus track)
9. K Twist - (bonus track) |
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