John Lankin

Darren Barrett: Deelings

by Dave Nathan
July 1, 2001

Darren Barrett, winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 1997, is emerging as a leader in the New Bop movement, a jazz form that combines elements of hard bop (there is lots of that here), fusion and modal music. His second album has a musical agenda of mostly original compositions mixed with two standards.

Barrett is a monster trumpet player. But here he is hindered, and sometimes defeated, by most of the material he has chosen to ...

Darren Barrett: Deelings

by Jerry D'Souza
June 1, 2001

To play with two masters of their craft certainly says a lot. It is not surprising, however, that Darren Barrett is now a member of the Elvin Jones Jazz Explosion, where he helps extend the perimeter of the band, and also has his time playing for Jackie McLean. That they should consider him worthy enough to be with them speaks volumes for his credentials.

Barrett's has grown as a player since the time of his debut album. His technique is ...

Darren Barrett: Deelings

by Jack Bowers
June 1, 2001

This is the second J Curve release by trumpeter Darren Barrett, a relatively young firebrand who won the Thelonious Monk trumpet competition four years ago. As on the previous album ( First One Up ), what Barrett and his companions lay down sounds much like the Blue Note sessions from the ’50s and ’60s that featured such nimble–fingered players as Donald Byrd (who produced this album), Lee Morgan or Freddie Hubbard. Neo–bop? Call it what you will; there’s little doubt, ...

Darren Barrett: Deelings

by Jim Santella
May 1, 2001

We are products of our environment. Darren Barrett chooses his. Strong influences have helped shape the trumpeter's sound, and he seems determined to allow nothing to affect his choices unless it's at the very top of the form. Clifford Brown's legacy appears through two classic ballads. Barrett has refined his tone quality to the point where few can match the purity. The rest of the program consists of the leader's hard-driving originals. Barrett's hard-hitting, energetic approach recalls Freddie Hubbard in ...