Guitarist Kenny Burrell debuted on Blue Note Records in 1956 and over the following seven years made a series of excellent albums for the label that culminated with his masterwork Midnight Blue. Recorded in 1963, the album waded deep into the blues, conjuring an alluring late-night vibe with a profoundly soulful cast, including Stanley Turrentine (tenor sax), Major Holley, Jr. (bass), Bill English (drums) and Ray Barretto (congas). Burrell originals, including “Chitlins con Carne,” “Midnight Blue,” “Saturday Night Blues,” and the stunning solo guitar piece “Soul Lament,” set the tone for this timeless classic adorned by one of the all-time great Reid Miles cover designs.