Customer Reviews

Green Chimneys

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great trio. I took a chance because Amazon didn't have the sound bites online, but it worked out - straight ahead jazz at it best.

Some good stuff on this one, from straight ahead finger-snapping originals to some beautiful solo pieces. An overlooked gem.

Kenny Barron is one of the living treasures of jazz. He has played with so many of the greats of jazz, and must be one of the most frequently recorded pianists in jazz. He has also recorded many times under his own name, and this is one of his best!
I think it is no coincidence that the bassist Buster Williams and drummer Ben Riley were the rhythm section in the fantastic recording, "Piccolo" that Ron Carter recorded 10 years earlier in 1977. I consider "Piccolo" to be one of the underappreciated gems of live jazz. Ron plays his cello, while he assigns the all important bass role to Buster. Buster has become one of my favorite bassists over the years. Buster's bass sound is huge and steady and just right. Ron picked the right bassist.
Ben Riley is also alive today, and another treasure of jazz. Ben played with Thelonious Monk early in his career, and has gone on to be an ageless wonder.
So here is a compatible, tight trio that can do no wrong.
They play 10 numbers, with one repeat track. Most are standards, such as "Don't Explain" and "Softly as The Morning Sunrise." Importantly, Kenny plays 2 Monk compositions, and plays them well. They are the seldom heard, but fine "Green Chimneys" and the classic "Straight No Chaser."
This 1987 recording is highly recommended. If you like this, see my Amazon review of another trio recording, "The Only One."