1966 Grammy nominee for Best Instrumental Jazz Performance — Large Group or Soloist with Large Group, and Best Album Cover — Photography.
A cornerstone of any jazz library. Kenny Burrell's concept for this album was to demonstrate a variety of jazz guitar styles. And he does so, masterfully. Of particular interest "Moon and Sand" by Burrell and the Gil Evans Orchestra showcases an engaging guitar performance with a Latin combo.
AllMusic reviewer Richard Mortifoglio notes that although Burell is associated "mostly with Blue Note-based hard bop and soul-jazz (he had a hit with the funky 'Chile con Carne'), he is also a musician of considerable artistry.
"There is no stinting on the blues here, either, as evidenced on 'Downstairs' and 'Terrace Theme.' But the highlights are the bossa nova version of Alec Wilder's 'Moon and Sand,' as well as a characteristically slow and luxurious treatment of Harold Arlen's 'Last Night When We Were Young.' Throughout, Burrell takes thoughtful, concise, and utterly musical solos, and even switches to acoustic classical guitar on 'Prelude #2' and 'Loie.'"
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