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Elemental Music has released a never-before-heard 1995 concert recording, “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon,”featuring Kenny Barron on Piano, Ray Drummond on Bass and Ben Riley on Drums. The recordings were captured live on August 12, 1995, at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales, during the trio’s European tour. The tapes were preserved for more than 30 years in the Jordi Suñol Archives before finally being released. This music is so wonderful and inspiring, and it’s amazing to me to consider that this music was recorded over 30 years ago. The music still sounds new, innovative and exciting. That is one of the great things about Jazz: when the musicians are this good, the music never gets old! I have found that in a lot of Piano Jazz Trios, the Pianist—especially with the talent level of a Kenny Barron—can tend to overpower the Bass and Drums. But The Kenny Barron Jazz Trio recorded here sounds like one voice rather than three musicians playing together. That, to me, is what makes this recording so special. Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond and Ben Riley were three extraordinary musicians, but they were also extraordinary listeners. There is a remarkable sense of communication throughout this recording. Drummond’s bass is never simply there to keep time, and Riley’s drumming is never just accompaniment. They are constantly responding to Barron, and Barron is responding right back to them. If someone asked me, “What’s so special about Jazz?” I would play a cut from this album and, within a short time listening to this music, I am sure they would have their answer. And what a trio this was! Ray Drummond was a master Bass player whose playing combined tremendous technique with warmth, swing and a wonderful melodic sense. Ben Riley, who was famously associated with Thelonious Monk, brought an incredible sense of time and subtlety to the drums. Together with Barron, they created a trio that could swing hard, play with incredible delicacy and, most importantly, listen to one another. Here’s what master Bass player Ray Drummond had to say about Kenny Barron:
Kenny Barron adds:
I think that last statement really says it all: “It was a group effect.” That group effect can be heard from the opening notes of the album. The trio moves effortlessly through standards, ballads, original compositions and music associated with Thelonious Monk. There are ten performances spread over two CDs, and each one gives the musicians room to stretch out and communicate. The opening selection, “Oh, Look At Me Now,” immediately gets your attention. It swings, it has energy, and it gives you an early indication of just how closely these three musicians are listening to one another. There are also beautiful moments of tenderness. Kenny Barron’s treatment of “The Very Thought of You” is a wonderful example of how a great Jazz musician can take a familiar song and make it sound fresh and personal. The album also includes two Thelonious Monk compositions, “Ask Me Now” and “Shuffle Boil,” giving Barron an opportunity to demonstrate his deep understanding of Monk’s music while still putting his own unmistakable personality into the performances. Another special moment is Barron’s solo performance of “Silent Rain.” It gives us the opportunity to hear his extraordinary harmonic and melodic imagination without the trio around him. Then, when the trio comes back together, you are reminded once again how much these musicians have to say to one another. I have attached two songs from “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon” for you to enjoy! The first is from composer Joe Bushkin, “Oh, Look At Me Now.” The second song is the tender ballad “The Very Thought of You” from composer Ray Noble. If you are a fan of the Piano Jazz Trio, I strongly recommend that you seek out this recording. If you are new to Jazz, this is also a wonderful place to start. “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon” is more than a recording from the past. It is a wonderful reminder that great Jazz does not have an expiration date. Put this album on, close your eyes, and listen to three great musicians having a musical conversation. That’s Jazz! PLAYLISTCD 1
CD 2
PLAYERSKenny Barron — Piano Recorded: August 12, 1995 Produced by Zev Feldman and Jordi Suñol. The recording was restored and mixed by Marc Doutrepont and mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. The release includes liner notes and tune annotations by noted jazz journalist and historian Ted Panken. |
"The Very Thought Of You"
