An underground favourite for many years, this laid-back live set from New York's Village Vanguard didn't set the jazz world on fire when first released, but it did confirm the young Kenny Burrell as an all-rounder to be taken seriously. Many a guitarist can turn in a flashy solo, but the guitar-bass-drums trio is a demanding format. Some preparation is essential, especially for live gigs. During the exposition of each theme, the precise melody line and chord-voicings should also be planned in advance, plus later breaks and release phrases. And during his solos the guitarist must also do his own comping, which takes a lot of practice and a very tidy mind. Burrell demonstrates all these skills here.

It helps, of course, to have a good rhythm section. Bassist Richard Davis sounds supportively springy and the great Roy Haynes has always been a drummer of real authority. Here he gives the whole performance that extra snap, crackle and pop. He's also a brilliant listener and embellisher who latches on to any noteworthy guitar phrase like a shot.

Despite an occasional stumble at faster tempos, Burrell develops his solos with admirable care on superior standards that he continues to play to this day; ‘Will You Still Be Mine’, ‘Broadway’ and ‘Afternoon in Paris’. There's also his customary nod to Duke Ellington – ‘Just A-Sittin’ and A-Rockin' – and a slow-blues workout, in this case ‘All Night Long’. Some solos work better than others, but the main virtue of this album is that you never notice the absence of a pianist.