Written by 
Pianist Kenny Barron & Bassist Dave Holland Reunite for First Trio Recording with Drummer Johnathan Blake. Titled “Without Deception” the album features the two NEA Jazz Masters in an intimate and adventurous conversation with extraordinary drummer Johnathan Blake.
Simpatico. It’s a word that aptly describes the musical relationship and personal friendship shared by pianist Kenny Barron and bassist Dave Holland. Easy going, similarly directed, the two icons pick up where they left off five years after their acclaimed duo outing, The Art of Conversation. This time, the legends continue the dialogue with the inventive drummer Johnathan Blake adding his modern versatility to the mix.
Without Deception, due out March 6th via Dare2 Records reveals compatibility between musicians who speak openly and completely amongst themselves and we the listener get to feel as if we were a member of the band. It expands on the kinetic discoveries made whenever Barron and Holland would perform together and in the spirit of “what if” they invited Blake, a veteran of Barron’s trio and an emerging leader on his own, to share the journey. The intimate and adventurous album features the three consummate artists exploring an expertly chosen selection of original compositions alongside those of their inspirations.
The attraction of playing in such a pared-down setting with collaborators like these, according to Holland, is “the humanity in it, of course. It’s the person that’s at the bottom of the whole thing, the feeling that they create in their music and the way they embrace the collaborative atmosphere.”
“I just love playing with Dave,” Barron adds. “He’s very interactive, and the groove always feels good. Johnathan’s a very exciting drummer, and never overbearing. It makes for a great conversation.”
With the gentle profundity of close friends reprising a long-running conversation, the three exquisitely explore the nuances and possibilities to be discovered in these pieces. The results are at once captivating and celebratory, akin to eavesdropping as heartfelt revelations alternate with raucous, good-natured humour. With affection, with respect, with reverence. Without deception.
Release Date: 6 March 2020
Format: CD | Digital
Label: Dare2 Records
New Release Spotify Playlist
The Jazz In Europe New Release playlist features tracks from the new releases featured on Jazz In Europe. Updated weekly, this playlist is the perfect place to discover new music from the leading jazz musicians currently on the scene. We hope you enjoy this selection.
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Last modified: February 28, 2020
