Barney Kessel (2)

1958 

To Swing or Not to Swing Vol 3

1. Begin The Blues

2. Lousiana

3. Happy Feeling

4. Embraceable You

5. Wail Street

6. Indiana

7. Moten

8. Midnight Sun

9. Contemporary Blues

10. Don't Blame Me

11. 12th Street Rag The answer to the world-class trivia question "Name the guitarist who played with Artie Shaw, Lester Young, Charlie Parker, and Chico Marx," Barney Kessel's unusual discography is testimony to his versatility and professionalism. Born in Muskogee, he followed in the professional footsteps of fellow Oklahoman Charlie Christian and evinced a similarly unswerving dedication to swing. Although his later recording frequently paired him with fellow guitarists Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis, these 1955 West coast recordings showcase Kessel as both a soloist and leader in medium combos. A tribute to swing style music, To Swing or Not to Swing mixes Kessel originals with such standards of that era as "Indiana," "Moten Swing," "Louisiana," and "Embraceable You." On board are trumpeter Harry Edison, saxophonists Georgie Auld and Bill Perkins, drummer Shelly Manne, and pianist Jimmy Rowles. Among the album's most outstanding tracks are Kessel's own "Begin the Blues," and a dreamy reading of Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun." A real find for guitar fanatics and West coast jazz fans alike. --Fred Goodman

1954

Kessel Plays Standards

Artist: Barney Kessel
Title Of Album: Kessel Plays Standards
Year Of Release: 1954
Label: OJC
Genre: Jazz
Quality: Lossless
Total Time: 39:48

Tracklist

1. Speak Low 2:45
2. Love is Here to Stay 3:26
3. On a Slow Boat to China 3:18
4. How Long Has This Been Going On? 3:19
5. My Old Flame 3:39
6. Jeepers Creepers 3:51
7. Barney's Blues 3:00
8. Prelude to a Kiss 3:13
9. A Foggy Day 3:10
10. You Stepped Out of a Dream 2:53
11. I Didn't Know What Time it Was 3:57
12. 64 Bars on Wilshire 3:17