The Jazzcat

Kenny Barron and Stefon Harris

 

Photos

 

The one and only

Kenny Barron, the dynamically talented composer and pianist, appeared

at Vibrato this week for a three night engagement. The beautiful and

luxurious Vibrato was a great place to experience Kenny who brought

with him an incredible number of talents to play with him. Sitting in

on vibraphones was none other than Stefon Harris. Those two together

alone ought to give you some indication of what the night had in store.

On drums, Kim Thompson, one of the young lions burning up the scene, an

exciting player to see. Graceful, composed and full of fire as she

display her fine skills as an exceptional drummer. She plays in

Stefon’s band and Kenny has known her since she was in high school.

 

From Osaka,

Kiyoshi Kitagowa was the master bassist, seriously holding down the

lyricism as he digs deep into the killer bag pullin’ out and  pulling

off his assortment of creative lines. Another lovely addition to the

quintet was Ann Drummond, a student of Kenny’s at the Manhattan School

of Music. She plays piano but, is wonderful on flute! Another great

addition to the remarkable Drummonds’ of jazz!

 

With Kenny and Stefon

playing, you would expect to see two individual shows but, we were

honored by the pleasure of having them create magic together on the

same bill. Kenny Werner said it best, “Effortless Mastery”. That is

what was on display this evening. 

 

Stefon played some

incredible solos tonight. So beautiful and full of fantastic energy.

All you had to do was bring your ears and your smile. Kenny played his

version of “Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most” and I was

transported to a place in the universe where the only thing that

existed was silence and Kenny playing. An experience that only that

moment in time could bring. When it was over I realized that I was at

Vibrato and there were others in the room listening as well. I think

that we all went to that beautiful place together, a mind altering

lullaby.

 

This was a fantastic

night of music. Others great players like John Heard, Tamir Hendleman,

Mike Lang, and Jimmy Bond were all in the house as my witness.

 

Stefon will be back

in town in a few weeks with his own band at the Jazz Bakery so

don't miss that. I was speaking with him after the gig

and he is excited so you know it's going to be

on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

See you there!

 

LeRoy Downs