On a sad note, Atilla Zoller, due to poor health himself, was unable to perform but sent a nice note to Barney. Many of the songs played were classic ÒBarneyÓ tunes which was a treat. The rhythm section was superb too: Joe Cohn, Earl May and Chuck Redd. The ever tasteful Jack Wilkins teamed up with a spirited Ron Affif for a beautiful set. A personal treat for me was a terrific Kenny Burrell swinging with an equally terrific, young piano player named Jon Regen. A very beautiful solo was performed by Gene Bertoncini. Of course, any tribute to Barney Kessel couldn't be complete without the Great Guitars, with the equally gifted Tal Farlow taking Barney's place alongside fellow legends Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis. Excellent duo performances by veterans Joe Puma & Remo Palmier and Mundell Lowe & Sal Salvador followed. (Due to time constraints, only 13 of the 30 who turned out to see Barney in the afternoon were able to perform.) Opening were Howard Alden and Jimmy Bruno, (well familiar with this duo, I could attest to their combined virtuosity before hearing them!) who wowed and warmed-up the audience. Just knowing these players were there to honor Barney made it special from the onset. The excitement grew after Barney arrived and continued as the players, with Barney himself, took part in an outside group photo that is already a classic. Even the prestigious Smithsonian Institution was represented, in the form of ardent jazz guitar enthusiast Randall Kremer. The omnipresent Ed Benson, Publisher of Just Jazz Guitar, was there too, savoring the rehearsal performances and taking pictures for his forthcoming commemorative issue on Barney (due out August 1997). Bob and I arrived early in the afternoon and were part of the wonderful "backstage party". Before Barney arrived, the 30 players had a great time backstage talking over old (and current!) times - it was delightful to see them so excited to see each other - many years had passed for some. On June 25th, about 30 guitarists spanning 50 years of jazz turned out to honor a glowing Barney Kessel at a tribute to the jazz legend, part of the celebrated JVC Festival in New York City. It just might have been the most important night ever in jazz guitar history or at least one of the most (the other contender being the Tal Farlow Tribute last June). Produced by Charles Carlini for the JVC Festival JDanny & Sylvia Kaye Playhouse, New York City