JAZZ SPOTLIGHT : *** 1/2 KENNY BARRON, ‘Wanton Spirit” <i> Verve</i>

Pianist Kenny Barron’s previous albums on the Verve label, spruced up with horns or tied to a particular style of music, have done him little justice. But those who have seen Barron work live or heard his European or Japanese releases know him as one of a handful of living keyboardists able to transport listeners with an expansive sense of expression and mood.

“Wanton Spirit” delivers these qualities in abundance and will satisfy the fans who have found his previous Verve discs wanting. Here, Barron works in the trio format with bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Roy Haynes, and his narrative skills and ability to construct passages of deep beauty come shining through.

There isn’t a bad number on the disc. Most demand repeated, in-depth listening to reveal the pianist’s subtle rhythmic and harmonic nuances. And the variety of material here--playful exercises, pensive ballads and tilted flirtations with turmoil--serves to give a strong, well-rounded representation of Barron’s craft.

Credit his supporting crew with freeing the pianist to be his own man. Haden’s foundations, broad yet never busy, give spine to the date without detracting from Barron’s play. Haynes accents the intensity of the dense Barron original “Madman” with snappy snare and cymbal play, then complements a sensitive ballad from fellow drummer Victor Lewis, “The Loss of a Moment,” with spare brushwork.

Both men solo to impressive effect, with Haden’s unaccompanied introduction to Dizzy Gillespie’s “Be Bop” serving as a polished distillation of the bassist’s trademark folk-inspired delivery.

The title tune finds Barron at his witty best, constructing his solo piece by piece like a puzzle until it revels a beautiful whole. His improvisation on Tom Harrell’s ballad “Sail Away” takes on dignified, slow-dance qualities that spiral gracefully while gently cradling the theme. And his dense, all-out attack on “Madman” stands as a metaphor for a mind on fire.

“Wanton Spirit” makes up for Barron’s near-miss recordings of the last few years while painting a more honest picture of his skills. It’s an album that, finally, should bring him the accolades he deserves.