All Day Long (1957)/ All Night Long

"The jazz jam session has always been reserved for in-concert or club performances. Where these 1956-1957 recordings from guitarist Kenny Burrell and his all-star septet and sextet differ is that they were made in the confines of Rudy Van Gelder's recording studio, where the musicians were able to stretch out on two of the most memorable jam sessions of all time: "All Night Long" and "All Day Long". Initially available as individual LPs and then together as a two-fer, this is a welcome reissue, showcasing perhaps the finest collective groups the Detroiter ever fronted. The title tracks, with ample solo room for these individualists, were the best friends of radio DJs, and in the case of "All Day Long", very danceable. They epitomize the hard bop sound as mastered by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Among the top five recordings Kenny Burrell ever led, this is also jazz music that has stood the test of time, and is heartily recommended." (Michael G. Nastos, Allmusic)