Kenny Barron ”Songbook” (USA)
American pianist Kenny Barron is one of the most significant figures in contemporary jazz. His list of collaborators includes nearly all of the genre’s legends, starting with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. One of Barron’s closest musical partners was saxophonist Stan Getz, with whose group he recorded and performed—including at Pori Jazz in 1987.
Kenny Barron has composed more than 50 jazz pieces, the most famous being Voyage, which has been covered at least 75 times. He has also performed material by Stevie Wonder and Sting. In addition, Barron has written music for Spike Lee’s films.
Kenny Barron is also known as a skilled accompanist for many vocalists, including Abbey Lincoln and Dianne Reeves. At Kirjurinluoto, the vocalist performing with Barron’s trio is Cameroonian-American jazz singer Ekep Nkwelle. Her album with the Barron Trio, Songbook, was released last fall.