Barney Kessel, RIP

[SY]

The great guitarist (and the Great Guitarist) Barney Kessel died today at the age of 80. If you don't know this man's music, correct that situation immediately. If you do, join me in a toast to his memory.

I saw him play at various clubs dozens of times from the '60s through the '80s. On several occasions, I had a chance to meet him and chat during breaks. He was a terrific fellow, very nice and unassuming, and very willing to give me pointers on technique.

Barney, thanks for all the great memories I have and all the pleasure you have given me. I hope you and Joe Pass are enjoying your first jam in many years.

[ken.berg]

Barney finally passed last week after long illness. The following message was posted on the Jazz Guitar newsgroup last Friday:

> Here is a message that Rich Raezer sent me today regarding Barney:
>
> Phyllis Kessel called me this morning to tell me that Barney Kessel died
> yesterday, Thursday, May 6. He died very peacefully. In fact, she had put
on
> his latest album BARNEY KESSEL FOR LOVERS and as the last song on the CD
> ended and Barney's last chord last sounded, he took his last breath.
> In a sense I'm happy for Barney.

Don't know if it's true, but it would be as poetic as much of Barney's music was.

[Bill Fitzpatrick]

I also enjoyed his playing, but . . .

I hope you and Joe Pass are enjoying your first jam in many years.

"The most common of all follies is to believe passionately in the palpably untrue." -H.L. Mencken

[SY]

I also enjoyed his playing, but . . .

Verifiably true. Note the phrase "I hope."

as poetic as much of Barney's music was

Indeed. The lyricism and tastefulness of his playing was legendary. He had chops as good as any player in any genre, but when he played behind someone, you didn't notice him, you noticed that the person in front seemed to be better than usual. The only other guitarist I think that came close in this regard was Freddy Green.