Guitarist
Kenny Burrell has a strong all-around showcase on this release from Contemporary. Assisted by pianist
Cedar Walton, bassist
Rufus Reid, drummer
Lewis Nash and percussionist
Ray Mantilla,
Burrell swings harder than he usually does when paying tribute to the past, coming up with fresh statements on the varied material. Although there are a few standards in the program (such as "I'm Old Fashioned," "Autumn Leaves" and "Speak Low"), there are also such obscurities as "Out There" (a medium-uptempo blues), "Sunup to Sundown" and "Love Dance." This set serves as an excellent introduction to
Kenny Burrell's enjoyable brand of straightahead playing. ~ Scott Yanow