The Source
Artwork, 2023
8/10
The esteemed pianist Kenny Barron returns with his first solo piano album since 1981, where 4 originals and 5 covers comprise the well thought out and precisely delivered intimacy.
“What If” opens the listen with the meticulous and skilled key progressions that are quite exciting, and “Isfahan” follows with flowing, melodic playing that carries plenty of timeless ideas.
In the middle, the aptly titled “Daydreams” indeed carries a dreamy spirit of elegance, while “I’m Confessin’” moves swiftly, charmingly and mesmerizes us with its strong attention to detail.
Residing near the end, “Sunshower” carries a hypnotic quality that’s executed flawlessly, and “Phantoms” exits with absorbing yet playful patterns of superb piano prowess that few others could parallel.
It’s certainly not surprising that Barron has racked up 11 Grammy Nominations, and this return to solo piano should gain him even more praise. Let’s just hope it isn’t another 4 decades until he decides to do another one.
Travels well with: Simon Belelty- Pee Wee; Kirk Lightsey- Live At Smalls Jazz Club