I came across this amazing and obscure jump blues guitarist via his “Stompin’ With Bill” album accompanied by the Ray Bryant Trio - as well as Tiny Grimes.

This featured material recorded in the 40’s and 50’s.

He was known as the “architect of soul jazz’" and greatly admired by his peers including BB King.

A left handed player - he instilled a bounce and a swing to blues and R&B - working with Louis Jordan , Ella Fitzgerald ,Jack McDuff , Bill Doggett and Louis Armstrong.

Jennings was not a pure jazz player - in the sense of Kenny Burrell - but he did inject a soul feel when working with jazz artists such as Jack McDuff.

He has been described as one of the most influential artists of his generation - and he made a mark on future generations of R&B guitarists with a more syncopated style - think Magic Sam from the late 60’s.

Bill Jennings (1919-1978) - should be name checked more often for the legacy he left.

Check out his recordings!

More info:

https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/13068-bill-jennings-albums