BARNEY KESSEL — Barney Kessel Volume 1 : Easy Like (1956-2006) RM | MONO | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Other than four songs apiece released by Onyx and Verve, the CD reissue of Easy Like, Vol. 1 has guitarist Barney Kessel's first sessions as a leader, performances which launched his longtime association with the Contemporary label. Augmented by two "new" alternate takes, the set features Kessel in boppish form with quintets in 1953 and 1956 featuring, either Bud Shank or Buddy Collette doubling on flute and alto. Kessel shows off the influence of Charlie Christian throughout the performances, with the highlights including "Easy Like," "Lullaby of Birdland," "North of the Border," and the accurately titled "Salute to Charlie Christian." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Easy Like 4:04
Barney Kessel
2 Tenderly 4:06
Walter Gross / Jack Lawrence
3 Lullaby of Birdland 3:16
George Shearing / George David Weiss
4 What Is There to Say? 3:10
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
5 Bernardo 3:34
Barney Kessel
6 Vicky's Dream 2:37
Barney Kessel
7 Salute to Charlie Christian 2:52
Barney Kessel
8 That's All 3:18
Alan Brandt / Bob Haymes
9 I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart 4:12
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Henry Nemo / John Redmond
10 Just Squeeze Me (But Don't Tease Me) 3:41
Duke Ellington / Lee Gaines
11 April in Paris 3:00
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
12 North of the Border 2:46
Barney Kessel
13 Easy Like 2:44
Barney Kessel
14 North of the Border 2:44
Barney Kessel
Credits :
Bass – Harry Babasin (tracks: 3 to 8, 10, 11), Red Mitchell (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 12 to 14 )
Drums – Shelly Manne
Flute, Alto Saxophone – Bud Shank (tracks: 3 to 8, 10, 11), Buddy Collette (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 12 to 14 )
Guitar – Barney Kessel
Piano – Arnold Ross (tracks: 3 to 8, 10, 11), Claude Williamson (tracks: 1, 2, 9, 12 to 14 )