Kenny Barron - Scratch (2008)

A highlight of the ENJA catalog, this trio recording received the prestigious "Prix Bud Powell de l'Académie du Jazz" back in 1986. "Scratch" is still one of the finest and most challenging recordings Kenny Barron has ever made. A multi-poll winner, Barron is widely considered the most versatile and tasteful pianist of today. Barron has recorded with all the great names in jazz: Abbey Lincoln, Barney Kessel, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, James Moody, J.J. Johnson, Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin, Kevin Mahogany, Yusef Lateef and many more. Sensing the potential in Kenny Barron, Matthias Winckelmann called the pianist in early 1985 to propose this trio recording with bass champion Dave Holland and drum wizard Daniel Humair. Following "Scratch", Kenny Barron did three more albums for ENJA with his quintet. From the original liner notes by Michael Cuscuna (1985): As a record producer, I know how gratifying it is to have a fantasy realized, especially when one feels that it will enhance the career of the artist involved and contribute to the history of the music. When Matthias Winckelmann called me up a few days after this date to write the liner notes, I heard in his voice a feeling of relief and accomplishment. Sharing his esteem for Kenny Barron's talent and potential and hearing the pride in his voice, I knew that something very special had occurred. I looked forward to receiving the cassette, knowing well what Kenny had to offer. But listening to the cassette was a magnificent revelation. Here was finally the Kenny Barron that was crawling inside the creative but considerate accompanist. Whatever your preconception of Kenny Barron, listen to this album anew. Eminent French music critic Jean-Louis Ginibre reviewed: Avec cet album, l'un des fervents gardiens de l'estétique bebop fait une entrée remarquable dans le monde de jazz le plus moderne. Kenny Barron était capable de franchir ce pas et désireux de le faire. La présence à ses côtés de deux musiciens avec qui il n'avait jamais joué agit comme un catalyseur. C'est Daniel Humair surtout qui pousse le pianiste vers des régions qu'il n'avait jamais explorées en disque. On redécouvre un Kenny Barron plus libre que jamais. Indispensable. (enja Records)



Tracks:

*01.- Scratch
*02.- Quiet Times
*03.- Water Lillie
*04.- Song for Abdullah
*05.- Third Eyes, The
*06.- Jacob's Ladder
*07.- And Then Again




Personnel:

*Dave Holland: bass instrument
*Kenny Barron: piano
*Daniel Humair: drums






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