In January 1958, producer
Orrin Keepnews brought pianist
Wynton Kelly and guitarist
Kenny Burrell into the studio. Although he had for years been a highly regarded sideman with the likes of
Dizzy Gillespie,
Lester Young and
Dinah Washington,
Kelly had only cut one date as a leader prior to this -- and that had been seven years earlier. Whisper Not showcases
Kelly and
Burrell in a trio setting with bassist
Paul Chambers, and for one side adds drummer
Philly Joe Jones. The tunes include
Harold Arlen's "Ill Wind,"
Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," and the title track, penned for the
Gillespie band by
Benny Golson. Unfortunately,
Kelly is not given an opportunity to shine in the conventional piano trio setting -- with only bass and drums -- a format in which he excelled. His distinctive drive and buoyant swing feel is in evidence, however, and despite a less than perfect audio mix (a bit dry), Whisper Not is recommended as an important recording in the oeuvre of
Wynton Kelly. ~ Lee Bloom