Jazz Musician. He was considered by many as one of the finest exponents of the electric guitar in jazz, and his combination of artistry and craftsmanship made him the most sought after studio guitarist in Hollywood. He always contrived to keep his jazz connections in good element producing a stream of masterly recordings for over half a century. He took up the guitar at the age of 12, teaching himself to play by copying guitarists he heard on the radio and records. In February 1947, he played under the leadership of Charlie Parker, in a recording session which produced the Parker classic Relaxin' At Camarillo. His reputation continued to grow and after 1952, he joined the Oscar Peterson Trio for a long tour that took in 14 countries. By the time he left the trio the following year he was on the way to becoming the most admired guitarist in modern jazz. Throughout the 1950s he maintained a phenomenal output, both in jazz and high level studio work. The 1960s saw him even more involved with studio work with guitar themes to, I Spy, The Man From Uncle and The Odd Couple. There was scarcely a popular television series without his guitar in the background and even to be heard on the soundtracks of four Elvis Presley movies. In 1961 Gibson Guitars honored him with a Barney Kessel signature model guitar line. He also jammed with Buffalo Springfield, Sonny & Cher's The Beat Goes On and worked with the Beach Boys on their album, Pet Sounds and the later Good Vibrations single. In 1973 he recorded a fine album at the Montreux Festival with Stephane Grappelli and a band of leading British players. The following year he joined two other guitarists, Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd, for a concert tour in Australia. In 1992 he retired after a stroke which put an end to his playing career.
Jazz Musician. He was considered by many as one of the finest exponents of the electric guitar in jazz, and his combination of artistry and craftsmanship made him the most sought after studio guitarist in Hollywood. He always contrived to keep his jazz connections in good element producing a stream of masterly recordings for over half a century. He took up the guitar at the age of 12, teaching himself to play by copying guitarists he heard on the radio and records. In February 1947, he played under the leadership of Charlie Parker, in a recording session which produced the Parker classic Relaxin' At Camarillo. His reputation continued to grow and after 1952, he joined the Oscar Peterson Trio for a long tour that took in 14 countries. By the time he left the trio the following year he was on the way to becoming the most admired guitarist in modern jazz. Throughout the 1950s he maintained a phenomenal output, both in jazz and high level studio work. The 1960s saw him even more involved with studio work with guitar themes to, I Spy, The Man From Uncle and The Odd Couple. There was scarcely a popular television series without his guitar in the background and even to be heard on the soundtracks of four Elvis Presley movies. In 1961 Gibson Guitars honored him with a Barney Kessel signature model guitar line. He also jammed with Buffalo Springfield, Sonny & Cher's The Beat Goes On and worked with the Beach Boys on their album, Pet Sounds and the later Good Vibrations single. In 1973 he recorded a fine album at the Montreux Festival with Stephane Grappelli and a band of leading British players. The following year he joined two other guitarists, Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd, for a concert tour in Australia. In 1992 he retired after a stroke which put an end to his playing career.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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