Burrell made his first recording in 1951, with Dizzy Gillespie. After moving from Detroit to New York City in 1956, he recorded with a wide range of prominent musicians, including John Coltrane, Benny Goodman, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Billie Holiday, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, and Cedar Walton. He also led his own groups since 1951.
In the 1970s he began leading seminars about music, particularly Duke Ellington's (Burrell has a music degree from Wayne State University). A highly popular performer, he has won several jazz polls in Japan and the United Kingdom as well as the United States.
He has recorded about 40 LPs, including Midnight Blue (1961), Blue Lights, Guitar Forms, Sunup To Sundown (1990), Soft Winds (1993), Then Along Came Kenny (1993), and Lotus Blossom (1995).
Burrell now serves as Director of Jazz Studies at UCLA.
Caravan
Kenny Burrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The myst'ry of their fading light
That shines upon our caravan
Sleep upon my shoulder as we creep
Across the sand so I may keep
The mem'ry of our caravan
You are so inviting
Resting in my arms
As I thrill to the magic charms
Of you beside me here beneath the blue
My dream of love is coming true
Within our desert caravan
Kenny Burrell's song "Caravan" is a romantic ballad that speaks of the beauty of the night sky and the happiness of being close to someone special. The opening lines, "Night and stars above that shine so bright, the mystery of their fading light," convey the sense of awe and wonder one feels when gazing at the stars. The use of the word "fading" suggests the transience of life and the need to savor each moment. The refrain, "That shines upon our caravan," conveys a sense of shared experience and togetherness.
The second verse continues the theme of intimacy, with the singer asking his lover to sleep on his shoulder as they journey across the desert sands. The use of the word "creep" suggests a sense of stealth and caution, perhaps underlining the precariousness of their situation. The line, "So I may keep the memory of our caravan," suggests that the singer sees this moment as precious and wants to capture it forever.
The final verse is a celebration of love, with the singer reveling in the excitement and magic of being with his beloved. The lines, "You are so inviting, resting in my arms, as I thrill to the magic charms of you beside me here beneath the blue," are intensely romantic and speak of a deep emotional connection. The final line, "My dream of love is coming true within our desert caravan," suggests that the couple have found a kind of paradise in each other's company.
Line by Line Meaning
Night and stars above that shine so bright
The singer observes the luminous sky of the night, full of twinkling stars that are exceptionally bright.
The myst'ry of their fading light
There is a sense of intrigue in the way the stars' light gradually lessens as they fade away.
That shines upon our caravan
The caravan travels beneath the illumination of the stars' fading light.
Sleep upon my shoulder as we creep
The artist invites their companion to rest on their shoulder as they travel slowly and cautiously.
Across the sand so I may keep
The artist aims to hold on to the memory of this journey through the sand.
The mem'ry of our caravan
The singer intends to preserve the experience of their journey in their memory.
This is so exciting
The singer feels enthusiastic and exhilarated.
You are so inviting
The artist finds their companion charming and alluring.
Resting in my arms
The companion is lying in the artist's arms.
As I thrill to the magic charms
The artist is captivated and delighted by the fascinating qualities of their companion.
Of you beside me here beneath the blue
The singer is savoring the experience of having their companion right next to them under the vast sky.
My dream of love is coming true
The artist's hopes for romantic fulfillment are beginning to materialize.
Within our desert caravan
The singer and their companion are journeying through the desert while experiencing this romantic adventure.
Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RACHEL MARY BERKELEY PORTMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
luv mifro
omg! i love this music... thank you! :)
ghairraigh
Kenny Burrell was the only guitar player to record with John Coltrane. They made four recordings together. The earliest was Kenny's recording debut:
"Tin Tin Deo", Dizzy Gillespie Sextet, 1951.
"The Prestige All Stars - Jazz Interplay", 1957.
"Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane", 1958. (which includes "Why Was I Born?")
"The Cats" - 1959.
NOTE "KB&JC" was reissued as "The Kenny Burrell Quintet with John Coltrane" by Prestige in 1968.
ghairraigh
Dear brassgolem:
Add Stanley Gilbert (bass) to the credits.
brassgolem
Done. Thank you.