Kenny Barron

Kenny Barron has been recognized as one of the giants of modern mainstream piano. The younger brother of the late saxophonist Bill Barron (who was 16 years older), he started on piano when he was 12 and played with Mel Melvin's R&B band in 1957. Barron moved to New York in 1961 where he worked briefly with James Moody, Lee Morgan, Roy Haynes, and Lou Donaldson. Most significant were his four years (1962-1966) playing and recording with Dizzy Gillespie. Barron followed that important association with periods in the groups of Freddie Hubbard (1966-1970), Yusef Lateef (1970-1975), and Ron Carter's two-bass quartet (1976-1980). Barron was a co-leader of the group Sphere in the 1980s, and went on to generally be the leader of his own trios. The pianist was on Stan Getz's final session (a series of brilliant duets) and has recorded many dates as a leader. In the 1990s, Barron received long overdue recognition for his talents. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide