by Scott Yanow
Although guitarist Barney Kessel interprets seven standard ballads on this CD reissue (a trio set with bassist Monty Budwig and drummer Jake Hanna), this is not a ballad album. Most of the songs are taken at faster than usual tempoes with the emphasis on Kessel's chordal (rather than single-note) solos. The guitarist was in peak form around this era as can be heard on a romping version of &I Love You,& &Star Eyes,& &Like Someone in Love& and &Get Out of Town.& In addition he contributes one of his finest originals, &Seagull,& a song that deserves to be revived. This underrated set is well worth exploring.