Feeling Free (Barney Kessell album)
Feeling Free is a 1969 studio album by jazz guitarist Barney Kessel. Released on Contemporary Records, it features Kessel in a quartet setting alongside Bobby Hutcherson on vibraphone, Monty Budwig on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums. The album is considered a prime example of Kessel's mature playing style, showcasing his melodic sensibility and harmonic sophistication within a hard bop framework.
The album's repertoire includes both original compositions by Kessel and interpretations of jazz standards. Noteworthy tracks often mentioned by critics and fans include Kessel's original title track, "Feeling Free," known for its upbeat tempo and interplay between guitar and vibes. Other highlights typically cited include interpretations of tunes by other jazz artists.
Feeling Free is generally regarded as a significant entry in Barney Kessel's discography and a notable example of West Coast jazz from the late 1960s.