Barney Kessel's Swingin' Party at Contemporary (1960)

About this title: In 1960, a title like Barney Kessel's Swingin' Party at Contemporary must have sounded more like popular slang than a style of jazz. And indeed, the double meaning was intentional: this live effort was recorded at a swinging record label party at Contemporary and the music performed by guitarist Barney Kessel is definitely swing. Backed by pianist Marvin Jenkins, bassist Gary Peacock, and drummer Ron Lundberg, Kessel explores a half-dozen classic tunes. The band kicks off with a nine-minute romp called "Bluesology" before dipping into a lovely version of "Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be)." ... read more

Tracks:

1. Bluesology [Jackson]
2. Lover Man [Davis/Ramirez/Sherm]
3. Joy Spring [Brown]
4. Now's the Time [Parker]
5. Miss Memphis [Jenkins]
6. New Rhumba [Jamal]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.