Originally released in 1979 and reissued on CD in 1996 with bonus material, G1128 stands as a vibrant snapshot of two masterful trumpeters—John McNeil and Tom Harrell—at a pivotal moment in modern jazz. Now, for the first time, this landmark session returns in stunning 24bit/96kHz remastered fidelity on heavyweight 180g vinyl, preserving the warmth and swing of the original analog tapes.
Backed by a stellar rhythm section featuring Kenny Barron (piano), Buster Williams (bass), and Billy Hart (drums), McNeil and Harrell engage in a spirited, lyrical dialogue that’s as respectful of tradition as it is forward-looking. Their interplay is marked by mutual admiration rather than rivalry—Harrell’s bright, unflappable tone contrasts beautifully with McNeil’s introspective, saxophone-inspired phrasing.
For audiophiles, collectors, and jazz devotees alike, this is not just a reissue—it’s a rediscovery.
“...it’s never a duel of trumpets here but it’s the duet of trumpets...
When the two trumpeters share technique and inspiration, one cannot but enjoy the inevitable result...” (Alain Tercinet, JAZZ HOT).
Jazz Master Kenny Barron's Songbook, is a landmark recording that will cement his place in the pantheon of jazz greats. Joined by his long-standing trio -Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass and Johnathan Blake on drums - he unveils a collection of original compositions interpreted by an extraordinary cast of guest vocalists, including Cecile McLorin Salvant, Kurt Elling, Ann Hampton Callaway, Catherine Russell, Jean Baylor, Tyreek McDole, Ekep Nkwelle, and Kavita Shah. Seamlessly blending lyrical sophistication, harmonic depth, and rhythmic vitality, Songbook is both a celebration of Kenny Barron's artistry and a defining statement in a career that has shaped the sound of modern jazz. This is not just a new album- it is a legacy in the making.
Jazz Master Kenny Barron's Songbook, is a landmark recording that will cement his place in the pantheon of jazz greats. Joined by his long-standing trio -Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass and Johnathan Blake on drums - he unveils a collection of original compositions interpreted by an extraordinary cast of guest vocalists, including Cecile McLorin Salvant, Kurt Elling, Ann Hampton Callaway, Catherine Russell, Jean Baylor, Tyreek McDole, Ekep Nkwelle, and Kavita Shah. Seamlessly blending lyrical sophistication, harmonic depth, and rhythmic vitality, Songbook is both a celebration of Kenny Barron's artistry and a defining statement in a career that has shaped the sound of modern jazz. This is not just a new album- it is a legacy in the making.
Originally released in 1973 on Muse Records, Sunset to Dawn marked Kenny Barron's stunning debut as a bandleader. Already a well-respected sideman with stints alongside Dizzy Gillespie and Yusef Lateef, Barron steps into the spotlight with an album that's both soulful and forward-looking, blending post-bop virtuosity with spiritual searching. The album unfolds like a journey - lyrical, bold, and emotionally resonant.
13-time Grammy nominee and American Jazz Hall of Famer Kenny Barron's Beyond This Place is comes on the heels of his 2023 Grammy-Nominated solo album, The Source. Beyond This Place brings together a multi-generational quintet featuring Immanuel Wilkins, saxophone's rising star; Johnathan Blake, one of the most accomplished drummers of his generation; Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Barron's long-time double bassist and Steve Nelson, one of the most highly regarded vibraphonists.
180gm Tip-on Jacket Remastered by Bernie Grundman. The great American pianist and composer Kenny Barron has appeared on hundreds of recordings as a leader and a sideman and is considered one of the most influential mainstream jazz pianists since the bebop era. Recorded at the famed Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey in 1991 by Rudy Van Gelder, and remastered in 2022 by legendary mastering engineer Bernie Grundman
Softpack Wallet - Remastered by Bernie Grundman. The great American pianist and composer Kenny Barron has appeared on hundreds of recordings as a leader and a sideman and is considered one of the most influential mainstream jazz pianists since the bebop era. Recorded at the famed Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey in 1991 by Rudy Van Gelder, and remastered in 2022 by legendary mastering engineer Bernie Grundman
Patty Lomuscio: Star Crossed Lovers / Lomuscio, Barron, Herring, P. Washington, Farnsworth
Challenge Records
CD
$18.99Jul 01, 2022
Patty Lomuscio writes: “My dream has finally come true, to make a record in NY with jazz legend, maestro Kenny Barron. I have always loved jazz and New York is its home. It all started by chance, thanks to the friendship that links me to Joe Farnsworth, the king of swing, caused by a situation that we never wanted or imagined we would have to face during the lockdown. After an exchange of music and emails, the much desired project came true and was realized in the most important jazz recording studio in the world, the Rudy Van Gelder Studio. The common denominator for the songs is love and the sensations experienced during that forced isolation, being alone in the house, uncertainties, the desire to overcome everything through love. I am particularly attached to the only Italian song that I contributed, written by an extraordinary musician and friend, Mario Rosini, a song whose meaning is very close to my father. The pieces we have chosen resonate beautifully thanks to the piano touch of Kenny Barron, the deep sound of Peter Washington, the poignant notes of Vince Herring and the pressing rhythm of Joe Farnsworth. I have added in my own emotions that I have tried to convey with my voice. I am amazed and happy at the results!”
2020 release. Dare2 Records is thrilled to announce the release of Without Deception, the intimate and adventurous debut recording by the Kenny Barron/Dave Holland Trio featuring Johnathan Blake. The album expands on the fruitful relationship forged by the two jazz icons over the course of more than three decades with the rejuvenating addition of the masterful young drummer.
Langston Hughes (1902–67) was an American poet, novelist, social activist and playwright whose work showcased the dignity and beauty in ordinary black life. His African-American themes made him a primary contributor to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. The hours he spent in Harlem clubs affected his work, making him one of the innovators of “Jazz Poetry.” Hughes’ poetry is still powerful and contemporary today. The Langston Hughes Project came from jazz guitarist Larry Simon, who is the founder of JazzMouth, unique festival in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that combines jazz and spontaneous music with readings by some of the finest poets. Hughes’ texts are brought to life by the rich, soulful delivery of Eric Mingus, son of Charles Mingus. For some years he worked as a session musician and backing singer, playing on dates with artists such as Carla Bley, Bobby McFerrin and Karen Mantler. He has also performed with the Mingus Big Band, Elliott Sharp’s Terraplane, Todd Rundgren, Elvis Costello, Nick Cave, Catherine Sikora and Levon Helm, and a featured performer in many of Hal Willner’s projects. Simon also brought David Amram — composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, and author — to the project. As a classical composer and performer, his integration of jazz, folk and world music led him to work with Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Willie Nelson, Charles Mingus, Levon Helm and Betty Carter. Amram has composed more than 100 orchestral and chamber music works, and written many scores for Broadway theater and film, including the classic scores for the films Splendor in The Grass and The Manchurian Candidate. Amram collaborated with Hughes on the cantata "Let us Remember." Importantly, in the 1950s Amram collaborated in clubs with Langston Hughes and Jack Kerouac on the spontaneous creation of words and music which came to be known as “jazz/poetry.” And jazz/poetry is what “Langston Hughes: The Dream Keeper” is. Half of the poems find Mingus with Amram on piano, as a duo. The instrumentally varied balance of the album are Mingus duos with electric guitar or Hammond organ; with woodwinds and percussion or larger ensembles.
This laid back program of classics by powerhouse jazz composers Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn adequately show Tommy Smith’s virtuosic saxophone playing. Smith does a fantastic job of keeping the composers’ intentions in mind, while still adding his own colors and textures to these classics. Smith is accompanied here by an all-star trio of musicians, including Kenny Barron, Peter Washington and Billy Drummond. Many of these tracks were recorded in just one take. This album was originally released in 1998, and is being re-issued here as part of Linn’s ECHO series.
This sinter-generational collaboration between NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron and vibraphonist Mark Sherman, both professors at Juilliard Jazz, showcases their remarkable interplay on nine well-chosen standards and two originals.Once again, the great pianist demonstrates his considerable skills -- uncanny listening, fluid and sympathetic comping style, facile exchanges and horn-like melodic lines, rich chord voicings and impeccable time feel -- in this simpatico conversation with vibist Sherman."It's a total cloud nine situation for me." (Mark Sherman)
