In a heartfelt homage to jazz legend Kenny Burrell, Japanese guitarist Yoshiaki Okayasu delivers a stunning new album, Kenny Burrell Is Forever. This 2024 release on the What’s New label draws inspiration from Burrell’s seminal work Ellington Is Forever by celebrating Burrell not only as a guitarist but as a composer. Okayasu reimagines Burrell’s original compositions in a minimalist yet deeply expressive style, stripping away bass and drums to create an intimate, hauntingly beautiful listening experience.
A Unique Trio Setting
Unlike traditional jazz ensembles, Kenny Burrell Is Forever features an unconventional trio with Okayasu on hollow-body guitar, Toru Ambo on tenor saxophone, and Keiichi Yoshida on piano. This stripped-down approach highlights the melodic and harmonic richness of Burrell’s compositions, allowing each instrument to shine in its own right. Okayasu’s hollow-body guitar, reminiscent of the tones Burrell favored, brings a warm, airy quality that occasionally evokes the nuanced style of Jim Hall.
The absence of bass and drums creates a unique soundscape, offering a sense of space and intimacy that draws listeners into the intricate interplay between guitar, piano, and saxophone. Ambo’s tenor saxophone provides a soulful, lyrical counterpoint, while Yoshida’s piano anchors the compositions with elegance and restraint.
A Journey Through Kenny Burrell’s Compositions
The album showcases a carefully curated selection of Burrell’s lesser-known gems, highlighting his skills as a composer:
“Listen to the Dawn”: A meditative piece that sets the tone for the album with its reflective and serene melody.
“Sausalito Nights”: A breezy, atmospheric track that captures the spirit of coastal nights with its delicate interplay.
“Blues Muse”: A soulful exploration of bluesy themes, showcasing Okayasu’s fluid guitar lines.
“Blues for Del”: A heartfelt tribute with lush harmonies and a poignant melody.
“Loi”: A bright and uplifting track filled with intricate melodic phrasing.
“Be Yourself”: An introspective closer that serves as both a personal statement and an homage to Burrell’s ethos.
A Tribute to a Jazz Icon
Kenny Burrell, renowned for his lyrical guitar style and deep connection to the jazz tradition, is often celebrated more as a performer than as a composer. With Kenny Burrell Is Forever, Okayasu brings Burrell’s songwriting to the forefront, offering fresh interpretations that emphasize the timelessness and emotional depth of his work. The album’s unique presentation and sensitive performances honor Burrell’s legacy while showcasing Okayasu’s artistry as a guitarist and arranger.
The Perfect Gift for Jazz Aficionados
With its masterful performances and innovative arrangements, Kenny Burrell Is Forever is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and a fitting tribute to one of the genre’s most beloved figures. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kenny Burrell or new to his work, this album offers a fresh perspective that is both reverent and original.
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