The Caffè Vivace | Coffee House, Jazz Lounge is launching its Spring Jazz Series with an appearance by the Kenny Barron Trio. The trio comprises Kenny Barron on piano, Johnathan Blake on drums, and Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass. Kenny Barron has won rave reviews for his musicianship, with the Los Angeles Times referring to him as:
“One of the top jazz pianists in the world.”
A native of Philadelphia, Barron began his professional career as a teenager. He relocated to New York City when he was 19 and freelanced with James Moody, Lee Morgan, and Roy Haynes. Moody recommended Barron to the great Dizzy Gillespie, who hired him in 1962 without ever hearing him. He was with Gillespie for five years, then went on to play with artists like Buddy Rich.
In the 1970s, Barron worked with Yusef Lateef, who influenced him and suggested Barron attend college. He did so, earning a B.A. in Music from Empire State College, and going on to teach at Rutgers University where he mentored younger musicians such as Terence Blanchard.
Jonathan Blake is a composer and band leader, as well as a drummer, and Kiyoshi Kitagawa started as a bass guitarist in high school, but switched to the bass. He has worked with Barron on several recordings.
The trio will be at the café on May 13. Organizers of events like this can use poster printing to create appropriate advertising.