Kenny Barron was honored as an NEA Jazz Master on January 12, 2010, and it was a recognition that was due. Since entering the jazz scene in the early '60s, he has made his mark as a sideman (especially with
Dizzy Gillespie and
Stan Getz), solo pianist, leader, and composer. These 2009 sessions pair him with frequent collaborator
Ben Riley and fellow veteran
George Mraz on bass. While most of the focus is on familiar standards, the opener is
Barron's slinky
"Minor Blues," in which
Barron and
Mraz both shine backed by
Riley's brushwork, though the drummer switches to sticks for his breaks. The leader's jaunty take of
"Emily" and driving treatment of
"How Deep Is the Ocean?" sizzle. His richly textured setting of
"Too Late Now" doesn't require its lyrics to get across the mood of the song, while his breezy Latin arrangement of
Billie Holiday's
"Don't Explain" casts this ballad in a new light. This is yet another fine example of
Kenny Barron's superb chops in a small-group setting. ~ Ken Dryden