Track Listing
1. Marie Laveau
2. Sequel, The
3. Christopher's Dance
4. Tongue in Cheek
5. Rose Noire
6. Things Unseen
7. Joy Island
8. Moment, The
| Details | | Contributing Artists: | David Williams, Eddie Henderson, John Scofield, John Stubblefield, Mino Cinelu, Victor Lewis | | Producer: | Joanne Klein | | Distributor: | Universal Distribution | | Recording Type: | Studio | | Recording Mode: | Stereo | | SPAR Code: | n/a |
Album Notes
Personnel: Kenny Barron (piano); John Stubblefield (tenor saxophone); Eddie Henderson (trumpet); Naoko Terai (violin); John Scofield (guitar); David Williams (bass); Victor Lewis (drums); Mino Cinelu (percussion).
Recorded at Systems II Studios, Brooklyn, New York on March 17 and 18, 1995. Includes liner notes by Josef Woodard.
Considered by many to be peerless among pianists, Kenny Barron has achieved the sort of critical acclaim that is enjoyed only by a select few musicians. Following on the heels of five Grammy nomination in as many years, THINGS UNSEEN is perhaps the most diverse recording of his illustrious career. Augmenting Barron's regular quintet (which features trumpeter Eddie Henderson and saxophonist John Stubblefield) are Japanese violinist Naoko Terai, guitarist John Scofield, and percussionist Mino Cinelu (Cinelu also appears on Barron's 1996 SWAMP SALLY).
Barron's arrangements exploit the unique instrumentation to the fullest degree, with the octet tracks sounding at times like an even larger ensemble. The grooves vary from subdued, introspective numbers (including a beautiful, fully-improvised duet between Barron and Terai) to bristling, Latin-inflected tunes and slow, blusey shuffles. Each soloist, spurred on by the leader's virtuosic technique and mature musical sensibilities, comes forward in turn to contribute remarkable lead work. Of particular interest is the contrast between Barron's highly melodic phrases, Terai's open harmonic conception, and the earthy sound of Scofield's guitar.
Editorial Reviews
3 1/2 stars (out of 5) - ...the session alternates blowing vehicles for the full ensemble with more experimental small-group offerings...
Down Beat (05/01/1998)
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