Kenny Barron

The Traveler

(Sunnyside)

Taste and superb musicianship are cornerstones of Kenny Barron’s dazzling sound. The veteran pianist takes a fresh approach on every project and raises anticipation for his next.

Songs on The Traveler – including eight Barron originals – represent a wide variety of styles and instrumental groupings. Never losing focus, Barron and his worldly rhythm section of Japanese-born bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Cuban-born drummer Francisco Mela set out on a lengthy journey covering music of the Americas. Barron’s writing provides an open-ended ticket south from the jazz hub of New York City. Beginning with swinging, straightahead jazz, he travels on to exotic ports of call that ring with calypso and other Latin grooves, giving particular emphasis to bossa novas.

An array of musical guests contribute individual sounds of place. Steve Wilson’s gorgeous soprano saxophone lends just the right lilt to a trio of tunes. Ann Hampton Callaway presents an appreciable vocal maturity on the whimsical ballad “Clouds.” On Barron’s lovely bossa “Phantoms,” Gretchen Parlato’s sultry voice and Lionel Loueke’s dynamic guitar conjure a romance that segues from cool ocean breezes to sizzling body heat. Barron and Loueke engage in a free-for-all on the headless “Duet,” a wide-open excursion into multiple keys and grooves. Throughout the recording, the leader’s piano work – heard to great advantage on his solo rendition of “Memories of You” – emanates with a sound and style as warm and evocative as any in jazz.

- James Rozzi