Burrell in the Seventies: Solid Ground
A straightforward guitar album from 1973 that shows Burrell working comfortably within his established style.
By 1973, Kenny Burrell had already built a reputation as one of jazz guitar's most reliable voices. Both Feet on the Ground, recorded that year for Fantasy Records, sits somewhere in the middle of his long catalog—not a landmark record, but a solid one that captures him doing what he does well without breaking new ground. Burrell was never one to chase trends. His approach was rooted in blues feeling and harmonic sophistication, and on this album he stays in that lane.
What makes this record worth hearing is its straightforwardness. There's no pretense here, no attempt to prove anything. These are working sessions from a guitarist in his prime, still engaged with the material and his bandmates, playing melodies cleanly and taking solos that swing without overcomplicating things. The album has the feel of a player who knows exactly what he wants to express and gets there directly. If you've heard Burrell's earlier work or his better-known sessions, you'll recognize the vocabulary—blues changes, standards, minor key excursions. The execution is professional and warm.
Where does this sit in Burrell's catalog? Honestly, it's not required listening if you're discovering him for the first time. His 1950s and 1960s recordings have more urgency and tend to show him at fuller stretch. But if you already know his earlier work and want to follow his path into the seventies, Both Feet on the Ground is a worthwhile listen—proof that he remained a capable, thoughtful player even when the jazz world's attention had drifted elsewhere. It's the kind of record that rewards the committed fan more than it catches the casual listener's ear.
Who's playing
Reggie Johnsonbass
Mike Woffordpiano
Kenny Burrellguitar
Maurice Spearstrombone
Moacir Santospercussion
Al Aaronsbrass
Lenny McBrownemembranophone
Jack Nimitzwoodwind
Jerome Richardsonwoodwind
Oscar Brashearbrass
Ernie Wattswoodwind
