AMG Review of Best of Kenny Burrell [Blue Note]

Stephen Cook
All Music Guide

One of the more low-profile offerings in Blue Note's best-of introductory series, this 13-track roundup of guitarist Kenny Burrell's work for the label still provides a fine overview of the jazz veteran's long career. Covering a stretch from his 1956 label debut ("Now See How You Are") to a 1986 live session at ~the Village Vanguard ("Jeannine"), the disc nicely spotlights Burrell's chunky, blues-tinged playing in the company of the best hard bop players of the day. There's also an excellent sample from his pinnacle Blue Lights recordings ("Phinupi"). Perfect for Burrell newcomers.