On December 18, 2025, at the Village Vanguard, Kenny Barron led a captivating performance featuring Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass, Grégoire Maret on harmonica, Elena Pinderhughes on flute, and Johnathan Blake on drums. This ensemble was part of Barron's "Songbook" project, which reimagines his compositions with new lyrics and vocal interpretations. The album, released in October 2025, includes collaborations with artists like Catherine Russell, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Kurt Elling. (wbgo.org)
The inclusion of Maret and Pinderhughes added unique textures to the performance, blending the harmonic richness of the harmonica with the melodic fluidity of the flute. Kitagawa and Blake provided a solid rhythmic foundation, anchoring the ensemble's dynamic interplay. This collaboration marked a significant moment in Barron's ongoing exploration of vocal jazz, bringing a fresh dimension to his extensive body of work.
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