The Art of Conversation: Kenny Barron - Dave Holland Duo

“The Art of Conversation” marks the first time bassist/ composer Dave Holland and pianist/ composer Kenny Barron have recorded their duo performance. After two years spent finessing their empathy, chemistry and repertoire and then fusing their individual and combined musical ingenuity, the two masters decided it was time!

Barron and Holland’s gift for pithy romanticism is exemplified by material culled from Monk, Charlie Parker, Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, etc. When asked why he loves the intimate yet intimidating duo setting, Barron says: “it affords me the opportunity to go in different directions while Dave lays a foundation that suggests exquisite voicings.” Dave’s response: “For me, it’s a harmony lesson every time I play with Barron or listen to what he does with chords and his constantly inventive reharmonization.”

Kenny Barron is the leading practitioner of an elegant, economical and sure-footed piano style that thrives in any mainstream setting. His unmatched ability to mesmerize audiences with his soulful playing, sensitive melodies and infectious rhythms inspired The Los Angles Times to name him “one of the top jazz pianists in the world” and -Jazz Times to call him “The most lyrical piano player of our time …a master of turning single-note lines into harmony with his trademark mastery of subtlety.”

A Dave Holland bass line compels attention! A master of tone, rhythm, and note choice, the bassist/ composer is now in his fifth decade as a performer with the highest of musical aspirations:  He once said, “I’ve tried to find a way to build a vehicle which lets me utilize the full spectrum, including the blues tradition and free improvisation, to reconcile all areas and make them relevant, hopefully, in a contemporary context, as one music.” Over the course of his career he has reinvented his concept and approach with each new project while constantly honing his instantly identifiable voice.

The Jazz Bakery is elated to be part of the tour accompanying this astounding Impulse/ Universal release.  Please click here to find out more about our NEA Jazz Masters Grant.