KENNY BARRON, RAY DRUMMOND, BEN RILEY

SO MANY LOVELY THINGS: LIVE IN BRECON

Elemental Music

Kenny Barron, piano/composer; Ray Drummond, bass; Ben Riley, drums.

On June 12, 2026, Elemental Music will bless the world with the never before released “So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon” featuring Kenny Barron on piano, with bass titan Ray Drummond and Monk’s drummer of choice, Ben Riley. It’s a double disc release, as well as the album being available on 180-gram vinyl. This is hanks to veteran Spanish promoter, Jordi Suñol who has carefully sheltered this work of art in his Jordi Suñol Archives since August 12, 1995 when it was recorded during a European tour.

This was an all-star trio, who, in 1991 recorded “Lemuria-Seascape.”

They open this current treasure swinging with all their might on “Oh, Look at Me Now.”   Ray Drummond walks his bass with all the power and prestige that he demanded every time he took to the stage. That’s why I love “Live” tapings so much, because there is a freedom and spontaneity you rarely capture in a studio recording.  Drummond was born November 23, 1946 and left this earth on November 1,2025.

All the while, the legendary Ben Riley is pumping the tune up with his agile and succinct drumbeats.  They accent at all the right places, holding the tempo in perfect place.  Riley was born July 17, 1933 and passed away on November 18, 2017 at the age of 84.

Prior to this recording, the trio did release “Kenny Barron Trio: Live at Bradley’s II” where you can hear a taste of their magic unfiltered and free.

The quality and energy on this newly mixed project is astounding! After Their opening tune, the trio offers us “Up Jumped Spring” for ten plus minutes of jazz bliss and musical mastery. This is followed by a very ragtime arrangement of “Shuffle Boil.”

Disc 2 opens with a beautiful Barron composition dedicated to his precocious six-year-old granddaughter titled, “Nikara’s Song.” This is followed by the popular tune from the Broadway musical “Oklahoma.”  While playing “The Surrey With the Fringe On Top” at a race-car-tempo, Kenny Barron shows off his chops in a bright and bold way.  Barron always thrills me with the way his fingers articulate melodies and build arrangements with speed and intensity, never skipping a beat while improvising consistently.  His creativity overwhelms!  His mastery of the piano shines with a gold standard. During this racing arrangement, Ray Drummond steps forward on his double bass to tell his own powerful story.  Then Ben Riley steps into the spotlight to show off his incredible drum technique. What a trio!  Every tune sings the magnificence and splendor of jazz masters who will be remembered through history for their amazing musical articulation.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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