Kessel became a busy studio musician in Los Angeles but was always in demand for jazz records. He toured with the Oscar Peterson Trio for one year (1952-53) and then, starting in 1953, led an impressive series of records for Contemporary that lasted until 1961 (including several with Ray Brown and Shelly Manne in a trio accurately called "The Poll Winners"). After touring Europe with George Wein's Newport All-Stars (1968) Kessel lived in London for a time (1969-70).
In 1973 he began touring and recording with the Great Guitars, a group also including Herb Ellis and Charlie Byrd. A serious stroke in 1992 put Barney Kessel permanently out of action but many of his records (which include dates for Onyx, Black Lion, Sonet and Concord in addition to many of the Contemporaries) are currently available along with several video collections put out by Vestapol.
In 2004, Kessel died of brain cancer in San Diego, California.
Angel Eyes
Barney Kessel Lyrics
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But it´s uncomfortably near
My old heart ain't gaining no ground
Because my angel eyes ain't here
Angel eyes, that old devil sent
They glow unbearably bright
Need I say that my love´s mispent
So drink up all you people
Order anything you see
Have fun you happy people
The laughs and the jokes on me
Pardon me but I got to run
The fact's uncommonly clear
Got to find who's now number one
And why my angel eyes ain't here
Oh, where is my angel eyes
Excuse me while I disappear
Angel eyes, angel eyes.
The lyrics to Barney Kessel's song Angel Eyes depict a person who is longing for someone who is not around. The love they once had is lost, but they can't seem to shake off the memories and feelings associated with that love. The mention of "angel eyes" heightens the longing and the pain experienced by the singer of the song. The phrase "angel eyes" is used to describe someone with a captivating and irresistible gaze, someone who seems to have the power to entrance and captivate you. The singer is tormented by the memory of their love and cannot move on because their ideal partner is not around.
The singer continues to describe the intense nature of their love, stating that it was "mispent" with "angel eyes tonight." Here, the singer acknowledges that their love was misplaced, but they cannot help themselves from feeling the way they do. The song continues as the singer tries to find solace in the presence of others, but is unable to do so, leading to them leaving abruptly. The song ends with the singer making a final plea for their "angel eyes" to return to them.
Line by Line Meaning
Try to think that love's not around
I try to convince myself that love does not exist.
But it´s uncomfortably near
However, the idea of love is always present, making me feel uneasy.
My old heart ain't gaining no ground
My heart is not healing from the pain of losing my love.
Because my angel eyes ain't here
I miss my lover, whose beautiful eyes were like angels' eyes.
Angel eyes, that old devil sent
Although my lover's eyes were beautiful, they did not always lead to good decisions and outcomes.
They glow unbearably bright
The beauty of my lover's eyes was overwhelming and blinding.
Need I say that my love´s mispent
It is obvious that my love was wasted on someone who did not reciprocate it.
Mispent with angel eyes tonight
I regret spending my time and energy on someone who did not appreciate it.
So drink up all you people
I encourage everyone around me to have a good time and enjoy themselves.
Order anything you see
I want people to indulge in whatever they desire.
Have fun you happy people
I hope everyone has a great time and enjoys themselves.
The laughs and the jokes on me
However, I am the one who is suffering and feeling the pain of love lost, while others enjoy themselves.
Pardon me but I got to run
I apologize for leaving abruptly.
The fact's uncommonly clear
It is evident that I need to move on from this relationship.
Got to find who's now number one
I am determined to discover who my lover's new love interest is.
And why my angel eyes ain't here
I want to understand why my lover left me and why they are not with me anymore.
Oh, where is my angel eyes
I long to be reunited with my lost love and their beautiful eyes.
Excuse me while I disappear
I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye.
Angel eyes, angel eyes.
I continue to yearn for my lover's enchanting and irresistible eyes.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Fintage House Publishing
Written by: ANTHONY BARRO, RUSSELL DIXON, JOEL N FAVIERE, ASHLEY HITTESDORF, JAKE JONES, NICHOLAS OROZCO, ERIK N RON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
François Leduc
Another one from the great Barney Kessel! I was looking since a while for a good Angel Eyes solo guitar version but I add difficulties finding one. Angel Eyes is a perfect fit for solo guitar. I wonder why there isn't more guitar version of it, anyway, here's a nice one. I haven't put the chord grids for this was making the transcriptions too compact and the grids were overlapping one over each other. Have fun!
K D
another great job monsieur françois. it is because of seeing your transcriptions i myself find the patience to try and work on my own version of barney kessel's: here's that rainy day :)
Danny Strunk
Barney had one of the greatest harmonic minds in jazz guitar .His chordal approach is more like a great jazz pianist....he was a one of a kind...he was also a kind and humble man ; rare qualities in one so gifted ....RIP Mr.Kessel...
William Colgate
I like to think this is because barney always thought of himself more as a musician than a guitar player. In an interview about his guitar he said that he cared more about his music than whatever instrument he used to produce it, and that the best part of playing with his ear and his heart was that when he listened to the recording it sounded just like how he heard it in his head. He'll always be my favorite. Indeed, rest in peace barney.
rod coombes
Since 13 I was raised on Poll Winners Three (Kessell Brown and Manne) so this is amazing to find the transcript .Thankyou.
James Seaberry
Magnificent.
Dave Jones
Merci beaucoups, Francois for another gem from Barney ! The Barney, "Plays For Lovers," CD has many great tracks and with your help I'm getting a grip on some of his versions. Do you plan on others from that CD ? "People," would be a challenge - so many chords ! Merci, mon ami !
François Leduc
Thanks! People is in my 'to do' list for a near future.
Cesar Leandro Miguel
Bravo!
Gizele Aguiar
Para ser Patreon o depósito é de 2$ todo mês por Quanto tempo? Por 2$ eu tenho acesso a todas as partituras ou cada uma é 2$?