Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 08/26/2008
These 2007 sessions by
Kenny Barron are a bit unusual, as he works with several different groups, playing mostly originals. His trio with bassist
Kiyoshi Kitagawa and drummer
Francisco Mela are present on eight of the CD's ten tracks, including one trio feature, the light-hearted
"The First Year," penned by
Alex Nguyen. The masterful soprano saxophonist
Steve Wilson is added on three numbers, including the intricate post-bop vehicle
"The Traveler," the driving
"Speed Trap," and the lovely impressionistic ballad
"Illusion." African guitarist
Lionel Loueke is
Barron's sole partner for the avant-gardish
"Duet," while also adding flavor to
Barron's engaging
"Calypso." There are several vocal features.
"Phantoms" begins with a distinctively African flavor, with
Loueke adding an uncredited vocal and simulating an African thumb piano on his guitar; then
Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition winner
Gretchen Parlato takes over, adding her haunting vocals. Veteran drummer
Grady Tate has occasionally sung during his career and he adds warmth to
Barron's ballad
"Um Beijo." Ann Hampton Callaway is more of a cabaret singer, though she proves effective in
Barron's dreamy ballad
"Clouds." The pianist has
Eubie Blake's
"Memories of You" all to himself, sounding as if he is playing for his own enjoyment at home in a humorous arrangement that would have likely pleased its composer.
~Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
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