Midnight Blue
Much of Midnight Blue's strength comes from the space Kenny Burrell leaves. His guitar sounds warm and clear, using short melodic phrases that do not need constant filling. The band keeps the rhythm moving smoothly. The music feels relaxed while retaining plenty of detail.
Ray Barretto's congas give the blues a light Latin feel on Chitlins Con Carne. Burrell and tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine state the melody simply and respond carefully to one another. The guitar needs neither extra volume nor more notes to hold attention. Small pauses make the next note matter more.
Mule takes its time. Bass and drums hold a quiet movement while guitar and saxophone use the space above them. Burrell chooses clear melodies and Turrentine adds a fuller, rougher sound. Their difference makes the interaction engaging without disturbing the mood.
The guitar plays alone on Soul Lament. This short piece shows how much feeling Burrell can express through a restrained delivery. The title track brings the rhythm section back and increases the pace. The saxophone stays absent there, giving the guitar a different position within the group.
The variety continues later. Wavy Gravy has a swaying movement, while closing piece Saturday Night Blues pushes forward more directly. The players keep the blues feeling intact without making every song move in the same way. The open sound also makes bass, drums and percussion easy to follow.
Midnight Blue succeeds through control and shared playing. The music makes few grand gestures, but its melodies and rhythms provide plenty of character. Burrell uses his technique to place a line exactly where it needs to be. The result is an approachable jazz record with considerable depth beneath its quiet surface. Its simple sound makes the care in the playing even clearer.
