Kenny Burrell, Signed (2 results)

Inscribed by Burrell on the back cover in blue ball-point pen, "To Don, Best wishes! Kenny Burrell". Brian Priestley writes of Burrell that he manages to be "both boppy and bluesy without being boring, he has furthered the Charlie Christian style better than almost anyone else" (Jazz: The Rough Guide, 1995). Burrell's is not a common autograph. Freedom was recorded across several sessions in 1963-4 but not released until 1980, when it was put out by Blue Note in Japan. The fine cover image is by the distinguished jazz photographer Katsuji Abe. Side 1 features Blue Note stalwart Stanley Turrentine on tenor, alongside Herbie Hancock, Benn Tucker (bass), Bill English (drums) and Ray Barretto (conga). Side 2 has Seldon Powell (tenor, baritone, flute), Hank Jones (piano, organ), Milt Hinton (bass) and Osie Johnson (drums). 12-inch vinyl LP (Blue Note GXF-3957), new plain paper sleeve (original sleeve also present), original album cover. A little shelf wear to cover but very good; disc in excellent condition.

Signed cleanly and in full by Burrell in black ballpoint on the back cover, "To Stan, Best wishes! Kenny Burrell". This is the 1986 French pressing of an attractive live date recorded on 26 August 1959 at the famous New York club and released in 1960. The "star-crossed" tenorist Tina Brooks shares the front line (Cook & Morton). "Recommended for the excellent work of Burrell and Timmons" was Down Beat's judgement, and the lovely version of "Lover Man" - probably the standout track on the date - features fine solos from guitarist and pianist and is worth the admission price alone. The lineup includes Roland Hanna (piano on the closing track only), and bassist Ben Tucker. Of the five tracks, Monk's "Hackensack" is wrongly identified as "Lady Be Good". Richard Cook and Brian Morton, The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings, ninth edition, 2008; Discogs website. 12-inch vinyl LP (Blue Note 84021), new Diskeeper inner sleeve (original inner also preserved), original album cover. Slight bump to foot of spine otherwise very good; disc in excellent condition.