"The greased lightning of Barron's technique combined with a romantic ebullience has made him one of the glories of jazz piano for a long time…” — Village Voice

Kenny Barron

Anointed by Jazz Weekly as “the most lyrical piano player of our time,” Kenny Barron and his stellar trio (featuring Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Francisco Mela) will hold down the stage at the Village Vanguard in Manhattan, January 16-21. Big Apple jazz fans (and anyone within earshot) should be sure to take this opportunity to enjoy “one of the top jazz pianists in the world” (LA Times).

Philadelphia has spawned many jazz legends, and Barron is no exception. First discovering the family’s old upright piano as a young child, he began playing by ear, turning professional as a teen in Mel Melvin’s band, alongside his late brother, tenor saxophonist Bill Barron. He then joined forces with Philly Jo Jones before moving to New York at 19 to work with Roy Haynes, Lee Morgan and James Moody. Hired by Dizzy Gillespie, Barron developed his affinity for Latin and Caribbean rhythms during his five years with the bop trumpet master. Working with Yusef Lateef in the 70s, Barron developed his improvisational skills and was encouraged to complete his education, earning a BA in music from Empire State College and taking a position on the faculty of Rutgers University, which he held until 2000. His prolific recording career took off in the mid 70s, and he has now appeared as a leader on over 40 recordings. Collaborations in the late 70s with Ron Carter and Buster Willliams, and in the 1980s with Charlie Rouse (“Sphere”) and Stan Getz, culminated in the Grammy nominated People Time in 1992, which was followed by eight more nominations over the next decade.

Kenny Barron

In the new century, Barron has joined forces with Brazilian musicians on Canta Brasil, with violinist Regina Carter (Free Fall), and with vibes master Stefon Harris on his latest release, Images. He has consistently been named Best Pianist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association and was a finalist for the Danish Jazzpar International Jazz Prize in 2001. Possessing what the Boston Herald describes as “one of the most fertile imaginations and pleasing sounds in jazz,” Barron cites Tommy Flanagan and Hank Jones—their “light touch, very lyrical”—as primary influences, as well as horn players such as Wayne Shorter.

Bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa has been a busy New York artist since moving to the US from his native Japan. One of his first gigs was with the Harper Brothers; thereafter he worked with Kenny Garrett, Brian Blade, Steve Turre, Tommy Flanagan and Kenny Kirkland. In 1996, he formed The Trio with Japanese pianist, Makoto Ozone, leading to four recordings over the next three years. Most recently, Kiyoshi has been touring the world with the Jimmy Heath Quartet, the Kenny Barron Trio/Quintet and the Andy Bey Quartet.

Kenny Barron with Francisco Mela

Cuban drummer Francisco Mela has been making a name for himself since relocating to the US ten years ago. Dubbed “one of the most important Cuban drummers in jazz” by Jazz Times, he recently released his first recording, featuring sax great Joe Lovano and has worked with Jane Bunnett’s Spirits of Havana and the legendary Paquito D’Rivera. Now teaching at Berkelee in Boston, Mela takes time to tour with Lovano, David Sanchez, John Scofield and others in addition to his work with Kenny Barron.

The Kenny Barron Trio is a must-see, must-hear ensemble, performing January 16-21 at the most renowned jazz venue on Earth.

Showtimes at the Village Vanguard (178 7th Ave South in Greenwich Village) at 9 and 11 pm. For information, visit www.villagevanguard.com