Kenny Barron Bday Celebration Part 6 (11/25/2023)

Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 8PM
Artist Line-Up:
Johnathan Blake
Bill Charlap
Cyrus Chestnut
Paquito D’Rivera
Steve Davis
Dezron Douglas
Essiet Okon Essiet
Roberta Gambarini
Mark Gross
Freddie Hendrix
Kiyoshi Kitagawa
Jeb Patton
Renee Rosnes
Jon Regen
Rufus Reid
Evan Sherman
Terell Stafford
Erena Terakubo
Diego Urcola
Jeff “Tain” Watts
Lenny White
David Wong
About Kenny Barron:
Born in Philadelphia, Kenny Barron’s first professional piano gig was with Mel Melvin’s Orchestra. While still in high school, Kenny worked with drummer Philly Joe Jones and at age 19, he moved to New York City and freelanced with Roy Haynes, Lee Morgan, and James Moody, after the tenor saxophonist heard him play at the Five Spot.
Upon Moody’s recommendation, Dizzy Gillespie hired Barron in 1962 without even hearing him play a note. It was in Gillespie’s band that Barron developed an appreciation for Latin and Caribbean rhythms. After five years with Gillespie, Barron played with Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Milt Jackson, and Buddy Rich.
In 1973, Barron joined the faculty at Rutgers University as a Professor of Music. He held this tenure until 2000, mentoring many of today’s young talents including David Sanchez, Terence Blanchard, and Regina Bell.
In 1974, Barron recorded his first album as a leader for the Muse label, entitled “Sunset To Dawn.” This was to be the first in over 40 recordings (and still counting!) as a leader.
Barron is a nine-time Grammy nominee! His first nomination was in 1992 for “People Time” an outstanding duet with Stan Getz. This was followed by the Brazilian influenced “Sambao” and most recently for “Freefall” in 2002. His other Grammy nominations were double nominations for Best Album and Best Solo Performance for “Spirit Song;” “Night and the City” (a duet recording with Charlie Haden); and “Wanton Spirit,” a trio recording with Roy Haynes and Haden.
Jazz Weekly declares that Barron is “the most lyrical piano player of our time!” Whether he is playing solo, trio, or quintet, Barron is recognized the world over as a master of performance composition. You don’t want to miss him at SOPAC!