Tal Farlow

The History of Guitar in America: Jazz Legends

Episode 18

Episode date - June 21, 2024

How Music Changed
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    The most amazing thing about the guitar’s development in America is how quickly it became ubiquitous in almost every musical genre. 

    We’ve covered Folk, Blues, Hawaiian, Country-Western, R&B, and Jazz styles, all of which eventually became dependent on the guitar as a fundamental basis for the sound of each musical genre. In most idioms, it is easy to distinguish one player from another, but in the Jazz realm that is not so easy. 

    This show features three of the most distinguished Jazz guitarists of the post-Les Paul era, and it is striking to hear how similar their styles are. Perhaps learned guitar players or fans can discern the stylistic differences between Tal Farlow, Barney Kessel and Kenny Burrell, but I must admit that I am astonished by how similar their styles are. Let’s listen and see what you think. 

    Featured tracks are:

    Gibson Boy – Tal Farlow

    Taking a Chance on Love – Tal Farlow

    Yardbird Suite – Tal Farlow

    Minor Mood – Barney Kessel

    Autumn Leaves – Barney Kessel

    Cry Me a River – Julie London (with Barney Kessel

    Well, You Needn’t – Kenny Burrell

    The Preacher – Kenny Burrell

     Freight Trane – John Coltrane (w/ Kenny Burrell)

    Channel 30 - The History of Guitar in America 1922-1962