Released 40 years ago
What If?
Kenny Barron · 1986
41 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of hard bop and post-bop, blending intricate melodies with dynamic improvisations.
Top tracks — play these first
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What If? — The title track serves as a centerpiece, showcasing Barron's lyrical piano style while engaging in complex harmonies that challenge traditional jazz structures.
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Phantoms Start here — Opening the album, this track sets a haunting tone with its ethereal motifs and rhythmic interplay, embodying Barron's ability to blend emotion with technical skill.
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Dexterity — A fast-paced homage to bebop master Charlie Parker, this track highlights Barron’s nimble touch and improvisational prowess, making it a standout display of his artistry.
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Lullabye — This piece offers a tender contrast to the more vigorous tracks, emphasizing Barron’s sensitivity as a composer and performer through its serene melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, though it may not significantly reshape the jazz landscape.
What we noticed
- Each track maintains a distinct tempo and mood, with several pieces transitioning from upbeat sections to more contemplative passages.
- The interplay between the piano and the accompanying instruments creates a dynamic conversation, particularly evident in tracks like 'Dexterity' and 'Trinkle, Tinkle'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- intricate melodies for detail seekers
- gradual build to satisfying resolution
- suitable for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — First album for Verve, marking a significant step in Barron's career.
- Themes
- post-bop innovation· bebop homage
- Career context
- Released in 1986, What If? marked Kenny Barron's first album for the prestigious Verve Records following his tenure at the landmark label. At this point, Barron was already an acclaimed pianist and composer, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in modern jazz after years of collaboration with notable artists like Stan Getz and Charlie Parker.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· McCoy Tyner· Herbie Hancock
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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What If?
The bridge introduces unexpected chord changes that shift the mood dramatically just before the final chorus.
This moment exemplifies Barron's innovative approach to harmony, deepening the emotional impact of the piece through surprising resolutions.
Tracklist
- 1 Phantoms Start here 7:00
- 2 What If? 7:23
- 3 Close to You Alone 5:54
- 4 Dexterity 3:55
- 5 Voyage 5:00
- 6 Lullabye 7:05
- 7 Trinkle, Tinkle 5:41
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Now He Sings, Now He Sobs
Chick Corea
Shares intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation within a post-bop framework.
Empyrean Isles
Herbie Hancock
Explores vibrant hard bop structures with rich harmonic textures and improvisational freedom.
The Real McCoy
McCoy Tyner
Features complex arrangements and a powerful rhythmic drive that complements Barron's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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