Barney Kessel talks about Charlie Christian

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 7 Dec 2022 5:33 am

Just uploaded by ex-Guitar Player writer Jas Obrecht on Dec 4, 2022.

In this never-before-heard interview, jazz and studio guitar legend Barney Kessel speaks exclusively of his hero Charlie Christian. In 1940, the musicians met and jammed in their mutual hometown of Oklahoma City. Barney's unabashed love and respect for Christian shines through as he shares his first-hand observations of Christian's technique, personality, influence, and place in the history of the guitar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZl81y7f7qc&t=2501s

Andrew Roblin · Post by **Andrew Roblin** » 7 Dec 2022 6:07 am

Thanks, Andy.

Guy Cundell · Post by **Guy Cundell** » 19 Dec 2022 9:26 pm

Excellent. Thankyou!

Andy Volk · Post by **Andy Volk** » 20 Dec 2022 5:32 am

You're welcome. Barney had a way to get to the essence of a given topic in a plain-spoken yet insightful and eloquent manner. That he was present for one of the electric guitar's primal spark moments adds even more heft to what he says.

Jeff Keyton · Post by **Jeff Keyton** » 21 Dec 2022 9:54 am

Thanks for the post, Andy. Great to hear one hero talk about another hero. Insightful to hear Barney's response to hearing Christian's music firsthand. Christian, like Jimmy Blanton did on upright bass, contributed so much in a short time.