Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Kenny Barron: The Traveler

Kenny Barron: The Traveler

By Florence Wetzel
September 4, 2009
View read count

The Traveler is a delicious offering of ten beautiful songs by pianist Kenny Barron. Eight of the tunes were composed by Barron, and each one is brimming with his famous lyricism. Most of the songs feature solid underpinning by Kiyoshi Kitagawa (bass) and

Francisco Mela

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Francisco Mela (drums), and in addition the CD features a variety of guests who add their own unique voices.

Soprano saxophonist

Steve Wilson

saxophone
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Wilson, a superb player with an intimate, conversational tone, appears on three tunes. He joins the trio for the opening title track, a gentle, emotive song with a touch of melancholy. It's easy to see why Wilson resonates with Barron; both play with effortless ease and utter lack of pretension. On "Speed Trap" the pace is fast, as promised by the title; Barron presses the gas and the band cooks along happily. Wilson also shines on "Illusion," a richly poignant ballad centered upon Wilson's tender, contemplative sax.

Another impressive contributor is guitarist

Lionel Loueke

guitar
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Lionel Loueke, who joins in on three tunes. Loueke pairs with Barron on the appropriately titled "Duet," an engaging song that finds Barron in a playful mood and showcases Loueke's lyrical agility. "Calypso" is a lively song with a delightful bounce and fine lines by Loueke, and the haunting "Phantom" includes Loueke's impressive vocals.

Other treats include "Um Beijo," which features vocals by the eminent

Grady Tate

drums
1932 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Grady Tate, as well as the album closer, a Barron solo on Eubie Blake's "Meaning of You." The latter is pure Barron, his playing resonating elegant warmth that expresses the melody's heart. Altogether The Traveler is a fresh, energetic album that showcases Barron and his formidable talents, but also points the spotlight on his talented collaborators.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

The Traveler; Clouds; Speed Trap; Um Beijo; The First Year; Illusion; Duet; Phantoms; Calypso; Memories Of You.

Personnel

Kenny Barron

piano

Kenny Barron: piano; Kiyoshi Kitagawa: bass; Francisco Mela: drums; Steve Wilson: soprano sax (1, 3, 6); Lionel Louek

Album information

Title: The Traveler | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Lines of Influence
< Previous

When the Heart Dances
Next >

Kenny Barron Concerts

Sep 19 Fri

Kenny Barron Trio

New Orleans Jazz Market
New Orleans, LA

Sep 19 Fri

Kenny Barron Trio

New Orleans Jazz Market
New Orleans, LA

Nov 19 Wed

KENNY BARRON TRIO

Opera De Limoges
Limoges, France

Jan 24 Sat

Kenny Barron Trio

New Orleans Jazz Market
New Orleans, LA

Jan 24 Sat

Kenny Barron Trio

New Orleans Jazz Market
New Orleans, LA

Feb 13 Fri

Kenny Barron Trio

Wexner Center for the Arts
Columbus, OH

Feb 13 Fri

Kenny Barron Trio

Wexner Center for the Arts
Columbus, OH

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.