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“Phantoms” by Kenny Barron

January, 2008

In his interview with Kenny Barron, Jon Regen describes his former teacher’s playing thus: “His phrasing was impeccable, each note placed perfectly with intent. Lines rang out with bell-like clarity, as if they were played on a horn . . . Kenny’s improvisations felt like living, breathing musical dialogues. They began as simple ideas, and logically developed until bursts of notes were catapulted in all directions. And as mesmerizing as Kenny’s playing could be, it always made sense.”

Kenny’s playing on “Phantoms” perfectly illustrates Jon’s observations. The solo begins its exploration with a mysterious, sparse, and angular phrase in measures 1-3, before erupting in beautifully ascending lines in measures 5-9. In phrases like those in measures 14-15 and 32-33, Kenny’s playing breathes with emotion, starting with rapid melodic figures and suddenly releasing in strong rhythmic punctuations. And though he isn’t afraid to journey outside as in measures 39-40, the master brings an almost classical harmonic approach to measures 35-37.

To learn to play like Kenny, you can enroll at Juilliard or Rutgers — or check out Andy LaVerne’s lessons.

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