Catalina Bar & Grill Welcomes Bebob Guitarist Kenny Burrell & Quartet

By jazzman • Sep 29th, 2008 • Category: Artists, Features, Upcoming

Event:
Oct. 2nd - 5th, 2008
8:30 pm, 10:30 pm
Catalina Bar & Grill
Hollywood, CA

Kenny Burrell has been amazing us with his unique approach to jazz guitar playing, and it is pretty easy to say that he has left a mark on the way guitar is viewed and used in jazz. Appearing among some of the finest jazz musicians/artists jazz has seen, his 40+ year career has influenced many and astounded most. If you’re in town, take a trip down to Catalina’s October 2nd-5th and get a glimpse of one of southern California’s greatest jazz guitarists and composers.

Background on Kenny Burrell

Kenny Burrel was born in Detroit and grew up around music. From singing in choirs to playing the piano at home, his family life played a large role in his development and interest in music. His father was probably his biggest influence as a kid, playing a variety of string instruments, including the banjo and the ukulele. Burrell comments that his guitar skill came from somewhere, and some of his fondest memories go back to his dads playing while he was a young boy.

Burrell hit the music scene pretty early, playing along side T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Dizzy, and even Coltrane on his first major recording session in 1951. Despite keeping afloat (and even excelling) in that company, he decided to slow down a bit, enrolling at Wayne State University in Detroit and graduating with a B.A. in music composition & theory. During his time at Wayne State, he also took up classical guitar lessons under Joseph Fava, and this resulted in many techniques, like his unique finger-stlyle, that he still utilizes today.

After college, he began recording and touring, sitting in the with the Oscar Peterson Trio, Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Thad Jones, among others. He also kept his foot in the door with pop, playing along side Tony Bennett, James Brown, and Lena Horn.

Since the 60’s, he has continued to play in various groups - small and large - racking up an astounding 90+ albums (way too many to mention here). He like variety and mixing it up, and it is always interesting to see what kind of group he is going to put together next. His music is a reflection of himself, symbolizing great thought and the pursuit of exploration. You won’t get bored with this guy!

What He Is Doing Recently:

When he isn’t touring and recording, he is a teacher at the University of California, Los Angeles and has been there for many years. His love for jazz goes beyond performance, and his urge to promote music - in all forms - is seen through his teaching efforts. He is the founder and director of the Jazz Studies Program at UCLA, where his is a professor of music and ethnomusicology. In addition, he is also spends his time as a lecturer and director of workshops on guitar and jazz studies and is the founder and president emeritus of the the Jazz Heritage Foundation.

He is a great performer, artist, and well-rounded musician who will not only wow you with his musical talents but entertain you with his great personality and presence. Stop by Catatlina’s this coming week and enjoy!

Let us know what you think - we would love to hear from you!

Catalina Bar & Grill
6725 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

For reservations and more information:
www.catalinajazzclub.com

Buy me a Beer!