Kenny Barron and Buster Williams: Two as One

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: September 1, 1999

Kenny Barron and Buster Williams: Two as One

Half of Sphere. One of the Two Sphere discs on RED Records is Pumpkins Delight: Sphere Live At Umbria Jazz (CD 123207). July 14, 1986 at the Umbria Jazz Festival. Included in this set were as series of duets by pianist Kenny Barron and Bassist Buster Williams. The result is a collection of music every bit as exciting as Pumpkins Delight. The stand out on the previous Sphere discs was Buster Williams and he is no less of a stand out here.

The piano trio is a hard enough forum in which to perform, but take away the percussive timekeeper, and things getting even harder. Barron and Williams engage in an almost standards counterpoint. Williams plays a beautiful straight-ahead foils to Barron's obtuse approach to melody. Barron's conception is quite unique and provoking. He solos beautifully and when comping, sweeps Williams on in his own bass solos. Buster Williams is among the most creative and attention grabbing soloists on his instrument and this disc displays his chops at full stride.

Umbrio. This duet clinic included everything a student of the genre would need to know. The vehicles are a collection of lengthy standards, all well played. Barron and Williams allow one another to stretch out with a great effect. This disc is a super companion to Pumpkins Delight.

Track Listing: All of You; This Time The Dream's On Me; Someday My Prince Will Come; I Love You; My Funny Valentine.

Personnel: Kenny Barron: piano; Buster Williams: bass.

Record Label: Red Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream