Kenny Barron (b. 9 June 1943,
Philadelphia)
is one of the most
talented
and
prolific jazz pianists
around today. He's on one or two hundred albums, easily.
First listen to a
solo or
trio album of his and
you'll understand why everyone wants him to be
on their album, in fact most
record companies have the
same desire. His most recent album,
Freefall
pairs him
with the young
jazz violinist Regina Carter.
Barron's most important training came with
Dizzy Gillespie from 1962-1966. After that
he played with the likes of trumpeter Freddie Hubbard
and saxist Yusef Lateef and bassist Ron Carter.
Along with Charlie Rouse, he co-led a group called
Sphere dedicated to playing the music (but not
exclusively) of Thelonious Sphere Monk.
Since then he has led many, many trios, and appeared as
a sideman on dozens of albums.
Barron has been an educator, associated with Rutgers
University in New Jersey, for several decades.
I have two of his albums: Live at Maybeck Recital
Hall (solo album) and Wanton Spirit
(trio with Charlie Haden and Roy Haynes), and they
both blow me away. He's easily my favorite pianist
to listen to.