After discovering Scarlatti’s music, Barber became fascinated with his
story and his connection to Spain and guitar-like instruments. Barber
has become well known for incorporating his classical guitar playing into
the improvising realm of jazz. It was his attraction to improvised music that
led him to collaborations with masters like Craig Taborn, Mark Turner, Jeff
Ballard, and Larry Grenadier.
Barber never eschewed his classical leaning in his work, allowing space for
his own sonatas and long form compositions along with jazz compositions.
His interest in the juxtaposition of the two genres has led to his most
successful collaborations. That is precisely why he approached Bleckmann,
who has also managed to incorporate elements of jazz, classical, improv, and
new music into a fascinating blend.
After choosing the material, the duo were able to finally record in Auditorio
San Francisco, a 13th century Gothic convent in Avila, Spain, in the
heart of Castilla, capturing the magic of the music in the most appropriate
environment.
The recording presents a collection of fourteen of Scarlatti’s sonatas, performed
either as a vocal and guitar duo or for solo guitar. With every sonata
having the same form, the interpretations of the pieces by Barber and
Bleckmann are astonishingly fresh and emotive.
Scarlatti Sonatas
SSC1729
8/22/2025