I've just posted the Goodman audio in my online magazine, Talking Guitar, followed by the Kessel and Goodman conversations. (1956) To Swing or Not to Swing (subtitled Barney Kessel Volume 3) is an album by guitarist Barney Kessel released on the Contemporary label which was recorded at sessions in 1955. Often regarded as a musical successor to fellow Oklahoma resident and electric jazz-guitar progenitor Charlie Christian, Barney began to leave his mark in the annals of jazz history during the ‘40s, appearing in the short film Jammin’ The Blues and recording with Beat Generation icon. In 1969 he returned to Lester Koenigs label for this lone effort, a quartet set with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, bassist Chuck Domanico, and drummer Elvin Jones. (1956) Music to Listen to Barney Kessel By. Barney Kessel was one of the era’s most prominent guitarists and was frequently in the media spotlight. As soon as I got off the phone with Benny, I called his brother-in-law, Columbia Records producer John Hammond, who had brought Christian to Goodman. Guitarist Barney Kessel recorded regularly for the Contemporary label during 1953-1961, one gem after another. Most of the selections are from the '50s, which were a very productive decade for the guitarist - a fact that is illustrated by Kessel's sensitive, lyrical. Assembled in 2003, this ballad-oriented compilation spans 1953-1988. Next was Charlie's bandleader, Benny Goodman, who had high praise for Charlie and sang me one of his solos during our talk. Kessel was also a superb ballad player, and his romantic side is the focus of Barney Kessel Plays for Lovers. The first of these, Barney Kessel, had the opportunity to jam with Charlie and had extraordinary recollections of his technique, demeanor, and personality. A resident of the University Heights neighborhood of San Diego from 1991 until his death on May 6, 2004, beyond his role as musician on countless hit recordings. Noted in particular for his knowledge of chords and inversions and chord-based melodies, he was a member of many prominent jazz groups as well as a 'first call' guitarist for studio, film, and television recording sessions.

I also reached out to three people who knew Charlie. Barney Kessel (Octo May 6, 2004) was an American jazz guitarist born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Barney Kessel, Hampton Hawes, Leroy Vinnegar & Shelly Manne) 1958. This was quickly approved, so I got to work writing a biographical essay. Sonny Rollins and the Contemporary Leaders (feat. While I was an Editor for Guitar Player magazine in the early 1980s, I proposed that we do a cover story about Charlie Christian, timed to be published on the 40th anniversary of Charlie's passing away.

Barney kessel