A noted pianist once told me playing solo is like giving a speech with no clothes on. Even NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron says, " Playing solo piano is still nerve-racking." But for this well versed, well-seasoned legend, you would never suspect. The Source, Barron's first solo recording since 1981, shows his usual strengths of humanity and abandoning pretense, allowing these nine tunes, each reflecting a moment in his career, to find fresh translation, each evolving in a different direction. It's the ultimate intimate gesture at the hands of this master, more than comfortable to share the emotional source of his truths with the listener.
From Monday, Jan. 30 through Friday, Feb. 3, one cut from Barron’s The Source album will be featured each morning on the New Day, New Play spotlight on my Daybreak show.
Listen to “Teo” from The Source, above.
