Kenny Barron - Peruvian Blue (1974/2021)

Peruvian Blue has more than its share of variety. Kenny Barron is heard on piano, electric piano, and clavinet on various tracks, and is joined some of the time by guitarist Ted Dunbar, bassist David Williams, drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath, and percussionists Richard Landrum and Sonny Morgan. Dunbar in particular is in top form, dueting with Barron on an explorative version of "Blue Monk" and being an important part of the ensemble on some of the more electric jams (the four Barron originals), all of which are fairly colorful. The leader takes a lengthy unaccompanied piano solo on "Here's That Rainy Day," another of the date's highlights. This is an LP that rewards repeated listenings. - Scott Yanow