All images used on this website are intended for illustrative purposes only and are used under the doctrine of fair use. We do not claim ownership of these images, and all rights remain solely with their original copyright holders. If you are the owner of any image and wish to have it removed or properly credited, please contact us directly, and we will promptly address your request.

Kenneth Earl Burrell

Kenneth Earl Burrell
Stage Name	Kenny Burrell
Born	July 31, 1931 Detroit, Michigan, USA
Nationality	American
Genres	Jazz Blues
Years Active	75 years
Fanbase	Kenny Burrell Fans

The Life, Music, Gear

Kenneth Earl Burrell, born July 31, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, is a profound figure in jazz guitar history. Known for his rich tone, sophisticated harmonies, and seamless integration of blues and jazz, Burrell's style is both refined and deeply emotive. His contribution to the jazz genre is monumental, creating timeless works that continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

Timeline

1956

Debut Album: Releases "Introducing Kenny Burrell" on Blue Note Records, setting a high standard for jazz guitar.

1963

Midnight Blue: Burrell's seminal album "Midnight Blue" is released, featuring "Chitlins con Carne" and showcasing his blues influences.

1978

Academic Contribution: Begins teaching jazz guitar at UCLA, contributing to academic programs and inspiring new generations.

1997

NEA Jazz Master: Receives the NEA Jazz Master Award, recognizing his lifelong influence on jazz music.

Famous Songs

Equipment & Gear List

Awards & Achievements

Early Life and First Guitars

Growing up in Detroit, Burrell was surrounded by a vibrant music scene. He began playing guitar at the age of 12, influenced by the sounds of Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. His early guitar was a humble acoustic, but as his proficiency grew, so did his instruments — soon upgrading to a Gibson, which would become his signature sound.

Notable Collaborations and Sessions

Kenny Burrell's collaborations include work with jazz greats like John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billie Holiday. He was a significant figure in the hard bop and soul jazz movements, bringing his unique style and sensitivity to countless classic jazz records, engraving his name into the jazz community's history.

Studio Innovation

Burrell’s studio work was marked by innovation in capturing the depth of jazz guitar. Known for his meticulous attention to tone, he often experimented with mic placements and string types. His album "Midnight Blue" exemplifies this, creating a moody, groove-laden soundscape that became a hallmark of his recording artistry.

Playing Style Breakdown

Blues Influence – Seamlessly blends blues with jazz sensibility.

Chord Melody – Master of harmonized lines and lush chordal passages.

Fluent Arpeggios – Integrates smooth and rapid arpeggios into solos.

Warm Tone – Constant pursuit of warmth and clarity.

Elegance in Simplicity – Opts for nuanced details over complex runs.

Personal Life and Education

Apart from his music career, Burrell has been a staunch advocate for jazz education. He has taught numerous students at prestigious institutions like UCLA, where he founded the Jazz Studies program. Beyond his teaching, he has been a life-long friend and collaborator to many, maintaining a humble presence in the jazz community.

Legacy and Influence

🎸

Jazz Guitar Legend: Influenced countless players with his sophisticated style and approach.

🎙️

Recording Innovator: Revolutionized the recording of jazz guitar.

🔥

Captivating Performer: Known for emotive live performances and subtle brilliance.

🏆

Jazz Master: NEA Jazz Master honoree and a respected educator.

Essential Listening Starter Pack

“Chitlins con Carne” – A soulful exploration of blues and jazz interplay.

“Midnight Blue” – Captures the essence of Burrell’s sound and style.

“All Day Long” – Quintessential hard bop composition.

“Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane” – A collaboration with a tenor sax legend.

“Guitar Forms” – A collaborative effort with arranger Gil Evans.

Getting the Kenny Burrell Sound at Home

Guitar

A Gibson Super 400 CES gives the warm, resonant tones that define Burrell's sound. Medium action and flatwound strings are crucial.

Strings

Heavy gauge flatwound strings are recommended for authenticity. Aim for .012-.052 gauges for that mellow, jazz sound.

Pedals

Burrell's sound is purist — avoid pedals. Use a touch of reverb for spatial ambience.

Amps

A Polytone amp, famed in jazz circles, provides clarity and warmth. Rolling off highs helps achieve the desired smoothness.

Technique

Focus on dynamics, nuanced phrasing, and chordal integration. Develop sensitivity in your picking and tonal control.

Closing Thoughts

Kenny Burrell's contributions to jazz are immeasurable. His profound understanding of the guitar and jazz theory continues to influence artists globally. Through elegant playing, thoughtful composition, and a dedication to education, Burrell has cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in the evolution of jazz guitar.