Join world-class musicians Bruce Forman (guitar), John Clayton (bass), and Jeff Hamilton (drums), in celebrating of the 100 birthday of Barney Kessel. The trio will perform a night of lively jazz, personal stories, and anecdotes. Barney was one of Oklahoma’s most famous jazz musicians. This exclusive performance will feature Bruce playing Barney’s guitar, which he now proudly owns.
Bruce Forman recently became the caretaker of Barney Kessel’s guitar. Besides being a music icon, Kessel was Forman’s mentor and friend. Since his death, Forman played the guitar when visiting his widow and did so until she was compelled to put it up for auction. Due to a recent occurrence, Forman got it back.
His dream was to reunite instruments played by Barney, Ray Brown, and Shelly Manne (known as The Poll Winners), being played by their respective protégés. While many people might not know of them, they have definitely heard them! They were studio stalwarts who played music on movies, TV, and popular hits throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s, such as Beach Boys, Elvis, and Pink Panther, to name a few.
Forman successfully reunited their instruments and brought together musicians John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. This trio has played together in myriad situations, including with the original owners. This is like kids getting together and playing their parents’ instruments! It is also a story of tying the past and present with a willful and loving eye to the future.
Doors open at 7 p.m. | Show starts at 8 p.m.
Ages 21+