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Kenny Barron: The Traveler
ByThe Traveler finds Barron once again on the movea colorful palette of ten tracks with excellent soundsfeaturing a new rhythm section (Japanese bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Cuban drummer Francisco Mela) and some very special guests. From the start of the title track, Barron's still got the touchpanache, grace, fire, and empathy. The result is a perfect portrait of his repertoire and depth.
The smooth soprano sax of Steve Wilson is present on thee selections delineated by quick and supple angularities. On "Speed Trap" he joins Barron's core group on a bopping swing-time caper, held tautly by Kitagawa's impeccable quick tempo bass-walk.
Guitarist Lionel Loueké, who is becoming increasingly visible these days, appears on three selections starting with "Duet," a twisting improvisation duo-piece. His acoustic strings chase and interweave with Barron's exploring keys.
Barron's empathetic touch also glows warmly with fine singersAnn Hampton Callaway ("Clouds") and Grady Tate ("Um Beijo")delivering polished yet earthy lyrics imbued with passionate prose. "Phantoms" is another mesmerizing opening with Mela's chants and percussion, Loueké's unique guitarisms, and dark sensual singing by rising vocalist Gretchen Parlato, as Barron comps and delivers a superb free solo.
Added to the mix is the jubilant "Calypso" and an introspective and telling solo piano rendition of Eubie Blake's "Memories of You" to close this fine recording by one of jazz's most respected pianists.
Track Listing
The Traveler; Clouds; Speed Trap; Um Beijo; The First Year; Illusion; Duet; Phantoms; Calypso; Memories Of You.
Personnel
Kenny Barron
pianoKenny Barron: piano; Kiyoshi Kitagawa: bass; Francisco Mela: drums; Steve Wilson: soprano sax (1, 3, 6); Lionel Loueké: guitar (7, 8, 9); Grady Tate: vocals (4); Ann Hampton Callaway: vocals (2); Gretchen Parlato: vocals (8).
Album information
Title: The Traveler | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records