The Jazz Real Book Chitlins Con Carne and Kenny Burrell
(64) "Chitlins Con Carne" and Kenny Burrell
Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 4
Kenny Burrell's "Chitlins Con Carne," from his 1963 album Midnight Blue, is a masterful blend of blues and jazz. The track features a groovy bassline and a relaxed tempo, with Burrell and Stanley Turrentine sharing the melody. Burrell's first solo highlights his clear, bluesy phrasing and rich jazz guitar tone, while Turrentine’s soulful tenor saxophone adds depth during his solo. The song follows a 12-bar blues progression, infused with jazz inflections, including the signature C7#9 chord. Burrell’s unique style bridges the gap between genres, making the track a timeless favorite. Covered by artists from blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy to jazz icons like Horace Silver, "Chitlins Con Carne" remains an enduring classic that showcases Burrell's profound influence on both blues and jazz guitar.