Kenny Burrell - For Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman (1986) {Verve 831 087-2 rec 1966-67}

Kenny Burrell's tribute to Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman covers 11 of the songs they recorded together, but doesn't make the mistake of trying to sound anything like their historic recordings during their short time performing together. The guitarist is joined by a first-rate group, including Phil Woods on alto sax and clarinet, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Grady Tate, and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri. Burrell is the only soloist on a soft bossa nova treatment of "As Long as I Live" and the lightly swinging "I Surrender Dear."

Things pick up a bit with a driving arrangement of "Stompin' at the Savoy," as Woods' brash alto briefly grabs the spotlight in exchanges with the leader, while Woods switches to clarinet for the snappy blues "A Smooth One" (which also adds Richard Wyands on piano) and the foot-patting "Moonglow." Burrell kicks into high gear for one of Goodman's most requested numbers, the always exciting "Seven Come Eleven," which also has a brief understated vibes solo by Mainieri. This is well worth acquiring by fans of Kenny Burrell.

Musicians
Guitar Kenny Burrell
Clarinet, Saxophone Phil Woods
Bass Ron Carter
Drums Grady Tate
Vibes Mike Maineri
Piano Richard Wyands

Tracks
01 As Long As I Live 02:43
02 Poor Butterfly 05:49
03 Stompin' At The Savoy 06:10
04 I Surrender Dear 04:48
05 Rose Room 05:33
06 If I Had You 02:42
07 A Smooth One 04:05
08 Wholly Cats 02:44
09 Seven Come Eleven 04:02
10 Moonglow 03:15
11 Flying Home 03:49