Kenny Barron is joined by Buster Williams for this live set from the 1986 Umbria Jazz Festival. Since the two had worked together on a number of recording sessions previously, they were very familiar with each other's skills and they mesh very well on all five of the standards on this date. Williams is not a mere accompanist but a musical equal who finds interesting paths when the pianist is in the lead. Barron's inventive approach to these chestnuts is always inventive, especially in the extended takes of "All of You,""This Time the Dream's on Me," and "I Love You.""Someday My Prince Will Come" is rather brief by comparison to the remaining performances, but the novel treatment includes repeating several of the phrases within its structure before moving on, as well as Williams' pulsing repeated bassline. "My Funny Valentine" especially benefits from Barron's bittersweet arrangement. This rewarding date should be considered essential. - Ken Dryden
Tracks
1. All of You (Cole Porter)
2. This Time the Dream's on Me (Harold Arlen)
3. Someday My Prince Will Come (C. Churchill)
4. I Love You (Chuck Dukowski/Gordon Jenkins/Jerry Jeff)
5. My Funny Valentine (Richard Rodgers)
KENNY BARRON piano
BUSTER WILLIAMS bass
Recorded July 1986 live at Umbria Jazz, Perugia, Italy
Red Record – RR 214 / Red Record – 123214-1