KENNY BARRON — Beyond This Place (review)

KENNY BARRON — Beyond This Place album cover

Album · 2024 · Post Bop

4/5 · 2025-01-15
Carmel

Kenny Barron’s “Beyond This Place” is the real deal class in its modern jazz storytelling. The album features various ensembles showcasing Barron’s ability to shape harmonic landscapes and foster musical interactions. Released on May 10, 2024, by Artwork / PIAS, the album offers a mix of styles that speaks to Barron’s enduring artistry and piano expression.

The album opens with Barron’s elegant solo piano introduction, setting the mood for “The Nearness of You.” The ensemble’s performance is steeped in the warmth of the jazz tradition. Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins’ rendition of the melody is expressive. Kiyoshi Kitagawa’s bass and Johnathan Blake’s drums enter, the bridge gains momentum, with Wilkins’ upper-register phrasing soaring above the rhythmic support. Barron’s solo captures a rich chemistry between the piano, bass, and drums, weaving agile melodic lines that balance grace and activity.

“Scratch” is an up-tempo swing that kicks off with Kitagawa and Blake locking in to create the pocket. Nelson, Wilkins, and Barron present the angular melody with precision, forming a cohesive front line. The solo section unfolds as a lively conversation, where the musicians pass the improvisational baton with a sense of playful interplay. Steve Nelson’s vibraphone solo is striking in its blending of rhythmic drive with vivid harmonic colors. Barron’s solo contrasts movement and stillness, flowing fluidly yet embracing moments of rugged phrasing that add rhythmic depth.

With its straight-eighth feel and subtle Latin undertones, “Innocence” paints a beautiful sonic portrait. The interplay between piano, vibraphone, and alto saxophone casts an ethereal hue over the flowing melody. Blake’s drumming is expressive and anchors the piece with a groove that propels yet never overpowers. Barron’s solo is a dazzling showcase of wide, multi-octave arpeggios that provide energy and uplift, a testament to his boundless technique and creativity.

“Blues on Stratford Road” is a medium-swing tune laced with New Orleans overtones. Nelson’s solo is a standout moment, brimming with passion and rich note choices that tell their story. The ensemble captures the essence of a hard-swinging style that mixes the swing of a gospel celebratory spirit.

“Tragic Magic” is a hard-bop gem defined by its driving swing feel, sharp ensemble hits, and well-crafted form. Wilkins’ solo exemplifies his ability to blend modern intervallic ideas with bebop-inspired embellishments, showcasing his expressive and technically fluid approach.

A spirited trio excursion of “Softly As in a Morning Sunrise” highlights Barron’s genius in a pared-down setting. His approach layers a moving melodic line in the lower register, intricate harmonic movement in the midrange, and fluid, expressive solo lines in the upper register. The trio’s synergy is palpable, with Blake’s drumming adding dynamic support and textural variety.

“Beyond This Place” captures Kenny Barron balancing introspection and exuberance across a thoughtfully curated set. Each ensemble has a defined cohesion that elevates the recording, making it a testament to Barron’s legacy as a consummate bandleader and performer.