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Barney Kessel

Biography

Barney Kessel (October 17, 1923 – May 6, 2004) was an influential American jazz guitarist whose career spanned more than five decades. Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Russian Jewish immigrant parents, Kessel was drawn to music early, picking up the guitar at age twelve and playing professionally by fourteen. His formative years were spent immersed in the vibrant African American music scene of his hometown, where he absorbed jazz and popular music both in local theaters and through early gigs with regional bands. A pivotal moment in his youth was meeting and jamming with Charlie Christian, whose innovative guitar work left a lasting impression on Kessel’s developing style.[1][3]

Kessel moved to California in 1942, quickly establishing himself as a versatile guitarist in big bands led by Chico Marx, Benny Goodman, and Charlie Barnet. He gained national attention after appearing in the 1944 short film 'Jammin’ the Blues' with Lester Young, and soon became a sought-after session musician. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Kessel worked with jazz legends such as Oscar Peterson, Billie Holiday, and Charlie Parker, while also contributing to pop and rock recordings by artists like Elvis Presley and the Beach Boys. His playing was characterized by lyrical phrasing, rhythmic sophistication, and a deep understanding of jazz harmony, making him a bridge between bebop, cool jazz, and hard bop styles.[1][2][3][4]

Kessel’s legacy is profound: he was repeatedly voted Best Guitarist in Down Beat magazine’s Readers Poll (1956–59), and his influence extended through his recordings, teaching, and collaborations. He was a founding member of the Great Guitars ensemble with Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd, and his work as a studio musician helped shape the sound of countless classic records. Even after a stroke ended his performing career in 1992, Kessel remained celebrated worldwide for his contributions to jazz and popular music.[1][3][4]

Fun Facts

  • Kessel was the only white musician featured in the iconic 1944 jazz film 'Jammin’ the Blues.'[3]
  • He played the famous guitar solo on the Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' and contributed to Sonny and Cher's 'I Got You Babe.'[4]
  • Kessel once owned a Hollywood music store, Barney Kessel’s Music World, frequented by John Lennon, George Harrison, and Eric Clapton.[4]
  • Despite being told by his first guitar teacher that he would never become a guitarist, Kessel went on to become one of jazz’s most celebrated players.[2]

Associated Acts

  • The Oscar Peterson Trio - guitar (1951–1953)
  • The Candoli Brothers Sextet
  • The Oscar Peterson Quartet - guitar
  • Buddy Bregman Orchestra - guitar
  • Flip Phillips and His Orchestra
  • Flip Phillips Sextet
  • Lionel Hampton and His All-Stars
  • The Poll Winners - guitar
  • The Great Guitars
  • Barney Kessel Ensemble - eponymous, guitar, original
  • Barney Kessel’s Allstars - eponymous, original
  • Barney Kessel Plus Big Band - eponymous, original
  • Barney Kessel Septet - eponymous
  • The New Hot Club Quintet - guitar
  • Barney Kessel Quintet - eponymous, original, principal

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Charlie Christian - Major stylistic influence and early mentor; jammed together in Oklahoma City, profoundly shaping Kessel's approach to jazz guitar. (Live jam sessions (no commercial recordings documented)) [Late 1930s]

Key Collaborators

  • Oscar Peterson - Member of the Oscar Peterson Trio; toured and recorded together. (Oscar Peterson Trio recordings, Jazz at the Philharmonic tours) [1951–1953]
  • Lester Young - Performed and recorded together, notably in 'Jammin’ the Blues.' ('Jammin’ the Blues' (1944 short film)) [1940s]
  • Charlie Parker - Session guitarist on Parker's recordings. ('Relaxin’ at Camarillo' (Dial Records sessions)) [1947]
  • Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd - Co-founded the touring group Great Guitars. (Great Guitars ensemble performances and recordings) [1973–1980s]
  • The Beach Boys - Session guitarist, notably on 'Pet Sounds.' ('Good Vibrations' (session work on 'Pet Sounds' album)) [1966]

Artists Influenced

  • Larry Coryell - Cited Kessel as a formative influence on his jazz guitar approach. (General influence on Coryell's early recordings) [1960s–1970s]
  • John Pisano - Worked with Kessel and was influenced by his harmonic concepts and session experience. (Collaborations and stylistic influence) [1960s–1980s]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Kessel Plays Standards 1954-06-04 Album
The Poll Winners 1957-01-01 Album
The Poll Winners Ride Again! 1991-01-01 Album
To Swing Or Not To Swing 1987-01-01 Album
Breakfast At Tiffany's 1961 Album
The Poll Winners Ride Again! 2009-08-13 Album
Autumn Leaves 1996-05-14 Album
Jazz Stars 2015-02-19 Album
Blue Guitar 2006-08-17 Album
Easy Like, Vol. 1 1956-01-01 Album
Milestones of a Jazz Legend - Ben Webster, Vol. 1 (1953, 1958) 2019-03-15 Album
Jazz Figures / Barney Kessel (1952-1954) 2007 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Custard Puff (The Poll Winners Ride Again!)
  2. A Foggy Day (Kessel Plays Standards)
  3. Lison
  4. Custard Puff (The Poll Winners Ride Again!)
  5. Love Is Here To Stay (Kessel Plays Standards)
  6. Moon River Cha Cha (Breakfast At Tiffany's)
  7. On Green Dolphin Street (The Poll Winners)
  8. The Look Of Love (Blue Guitar)
  9. Jordu (The Poll Winners)
  10. Satin Doll (The Poll Winners)

Tags: #bebop, #cool-jazz, #hard-bop

References

  1. okhistory.org
  2. concord.com
  3. exhibits.library.umkc.edu
  4. sandiegotroubadour.com

Heard on WWOZ

Barney Kessel has been played 8 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 4, 202607:11My Old Flamefrom The First Four AlbumsThe Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman
Nov 30, 202507:13Love Is Here To Stayfrom The First Four AlbumsThe Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman
Nov 23, 202517:31I'M ON MY WAYfrom TWO WAY CONVERSATIONSitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray
Nov 23, 202516:09Louisianafrom BARNEY KESSEL, VOL. 3Sitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray
Nov 16, 202517:12Easy Likefrom The First Four AlbumsSitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray
Nov 9, 202517:20THIS HEREfrom EXPLORING THE SCENESitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray
Oct 25, 202514:18BrazilTudo Bem (Brazilian)w/ Dean Ellis
Sep 21, 202516:42Now's the Timefrom SWINGIN' PARTY AT CONTEMPORARYSitting Inw/ Elizabeth Meneray