Search - George Barnes :: Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Greatest/ Most Important Guitarist of any Genre

D. Laubler | Marble Hill, GA United States | 12/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard George Barnes play while in college in 1974. I wore out a LP called THE GUITAR ALBUM/ THE HISTORIC TOWN HALL CONCERT (COLUMBIA 31045 VG/NM DBL LP with CHARLIE BYRD, CHUCK WAYNE, EVE AND JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, BUCKY PIZZARELLI, GEORGE BARNES, JOE BECK, TINY GRIMES). (BTW just managed to locate another copy in Mint condition) It was my first exposure to Jazz/Swing Guitar. Even though 19 and entrenched in 60's/70's rock...I thought Barnes and Pizzarelli were the hottest guitar duo I ever heard. After hearing this album, I'd say this even surpassses it.I came up with this title because to my kowledge it is true. George Barnes may be the 1st guitarist to play electric guitar and also to elevate it to a solo instrument, both acapella and ensemble. Prior to amplification, and prior to the late 30's the guitar was relegated to being a rhythm instrument due to lack of volume. George's brother Reggie who liked to tinker, made a home made pick up and amplifier for George in the early 30's. At that time only horns and woodwinds played solos in bands. George who wanted to play solo listen intently to these other instruments and elevated the guitar to new levels by playing these sophistcated solos on the guitar with the assistance of his electric guitar. George's pioneering guitar playing and innovations were integral to making possible the genres of jazz, swing and rock guitar.George at 17 worked for NBC as a studio musiccian and arranger. After a stint in the service during WWII he worked as a studio musician in the 50's, 60's and 70's. George was in demand by many artists of many genres for their recordings. George played on numerous albums and their Top 10 Hits. Perhaps his devotion to this may have impeded his noteriety as a concert performer with the general public.The CD comes with a lengthy biography by his daughter. If you are a guitar fan you will want to learn more and more about George. I recommend serching the web to learn more.If you like Wes Montgomery, George Benson, any of the Pizzarelli's, Herb Ellis, Joe Pass or even other hot blues and rock guitarists such as Gatemouth Brown, Junior Brown, Stevie Ray Vaugn, Eric Clapton etc.; you will love this album.25 years later, this music still is contemporary and sizzles.It is George's last recording before his untimely death. The quartet consists of Duncan James on 2nd guitar (who was a student of Georges and taught him to play in Georges unique style), along with base and drums.You will be left breathless wondering where all the energy comes from to play this many hot tunes in one concert.Coming from someone who used to be in the record business...For me, George Barnes is the greatest guitarist of all times. For me, I have heard all the greats of jazz, rock, blues and country, and no one else comes close.For me; there is Barnes, then everyone else."

Unique distinctive jazz guitarist!

P.J. Le Faucheur | Canada (ex- U.K. resident) | 05/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in 1977 this session was first issued on vinyl under the title

"BLUES GOING UP" (Concord CJ-43) This was back in London, England but i assume it was the same title in the U.S.A. I remember wearing out my first copy(as was the case with vinyl) and then buying a second which I hold dear to my heart till today.

I am SO thrilled that they finally brought this one back out on c.d. since it is an absolute GEM! There isn't a bad track on it....every song swings from start to finish and I particularly love Barnes' rendition of "When Sunny Gets Blue" where he incorporates beautiful left hand "glissando" to create exquisite emotion.

There was a sly,humorous and quirky way that George phrased,(e.g on "Pick Yourself Up" and "Flintstones Theme") showing his adept control of his guitar. Please remember this guy had played in every setting as a studio musician (e.g rock'n'roll, blues, country & western & classical)

The companion c.d to this one is called "Plays So Good" where he continues where he left off on this one considering that "Don't get around" and "Plays So Good" were done on the SAME session on *April 17th ,1977. So sad to note that George Barnes died soon after these songs was recorded. (on September 5th, 1977) from a massive heart attack at the young age of 56 yrs old.

If you want to hear a legendary Swing guitarist who has a feel for the blues then Mr. Barnes is your man. You will not be disappointed. Mr. Barnes's style was unique and easily identifiable.

* Incidentally for those of little faith in what i say concerning the accuracy of the recording session here is the section of sleeve note from Concords posthumous release "Plays So Good" (words are those of Carl E. Jefferson, Head of Concord Records).

"This recording (i.e. "Plays So Good") was made live at "Bimbos" in San Franscisco on April 17th, 1977. This is the COMPANION recording to Concord CJ-43 ( vinyl record formerly known as 'Blues Going Up' but now released here as "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" on c.d.).

So basically if you buy both c.ds "Don't get around " & "Plays So Good" you will have the ENTIRE live session done by George Barnes on April 17th ,1977 at "Bimbos" (San Franscisco). The standard is very high on both c.ds and Georges supporting musicians are the same (namely his student Duncan James on rhythm guitar,Benny Barth/drums, Dean Reilly/bass)."

Barnes at his BEST

Dr. Dave | Ontario Canada | 04/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"George Barnes is one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and yet possibly the most under-rated. This CD should help change that. Barnes' playing is superb, as is the rest of the quartet. If you like happy tuneful jazz by some of the best players in the business, this CD is for you.This performance is NOT the same as the one on Plays So Good, so you might want to pick that one up as well. Barnes' tragic death at 56 (shortly after this recording) was a great loss to music; he was at the top of his game and his joy in playing just oozes out of the speakers. You won't regret buying this CD!"