Requisites

1+1+1 ~ Kenny Barron with Ron Carter and Michael Moore | By Eddie Carter

I’d had a really long week and was looking forward to hearing something soothing, so I turned to one of my favorite pianists, Kenny Barron. Submitted for your approval this morning is an impressive collaboration from 1986. 1+1+1 (BlackHawk Records BKH 50601) has the pianist in the company of two outstanding bassists, Ron Carter (tracks A2, A3, B2, B4), and Michael Moore (tracks A1, A4, B1). This enjoyable album is perfect to listen to whether you need something mellow to accompany your workday, to read along with, or to enjoy during a focused listening session after dinner. The copy I own is the 1986 U.S. Stereo release.

Side One opens with a tune from the twenties, The Man I Love by George and Ira Gershwin. A spirited introduction by Kenny gets the song underway, with Michael joining the melody. The pianist launches into a sizzling solo, pouring radiant energy into each note. Michael takes a short invigorating walk next, preceding the theme’s return and close. United Blues by Ron Carter introduces the bassist in a cheerful performance, beginning with piano and bass sharing the introduction and theme. Barron goes first with some vivacious notes, then Carter steps up for a superb example of choice notes ahead of the closing chorus.

The ensemble enters the thirties next with Prelude to a Kiss by Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, and Irving Mills. Michael is back on bass as the duo’s introduction leads to a soft, tender melody. Kenny is the song’s only soloist and delivers an interpretation that’s lush and warm, with a touch of beauty, as Moore’s bass shadows him through every verse, into the reprise and the delicate climax. C Jam Blues by Duke Ellington, from 1942, picks up the pace again as Kenny and Michael introduce this old warhorse and present the lively theme. Barron takes the opening solo with a playful bounce, then Moore executes his ideas next. The duo then shares a brief conversation before the ending theme.

Side Two starts with Dave Brubeck’s In Your Own Sweet Way. It’s one of his loveliest compositions from the fifties, and the duo’s beautiful melody sets the tone. Kenny’s opening solo is a lovely demonstration of heartfelt and serene beauty. Michael follows, walking gracefully through the closing statement, leading to the duo’s theme restatement and an elegant ending. Giant Steps by John Coltrane brings Carter back for an upbeat melody with Barron, who continues capturing the sheer joy of this tune in the opening statement. The bassist responds with a cheerfully carefree interpretation that bounces along toward the duo’s culmination.

’Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk, Bernie Hanighen, and Cootie Williams, written in 1944, is Monk’s most famous composition and the jazz standard that has been recorded more than any other. Kenny has the spotlight to himself as he paints a beautiful portrait, soft as an affectionate embrace, from the opening notes to the closing chorus. It’s back to the thirties for the album’s finale, Beautiful Love by Victor Young, Wayne King, Egbert Van Alstyne, and Haven Gillespie. Ron joins Kenny for the upbeat melody. The mood is jubilant from the start of Barron’s opening statement. He then shares the second solo with Carter in a lively conversation that culminates in a splendid reprise and finale.

Don H. Nelson and Karen J. Nelson were the executive producers of this session, and Rudy Van Gelder managed the recording console. The sound quality across the highs, midrange, and bass is astonishing, with superb fidelity that transports the musicians to your listening room. Kenny Barron’s piano consistently captivates, providing a cohesive thread, while Ron Carter and Michael Moore add their own distinctive character to the music. If you’re a fan of jazz piano and in the mood for an album that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or week, I offer 1+1+1 by Kenny Barron with Ron Carter and Michael Moore for your consideration on your next record shop visit. It’s a terrific album by a jazz master, showcasing remarkable skill and heartfelt expression on every track, and it should become a welcome addition to your library!

~ C Jam Blues, Giant Steps, In Your Own Sweet Way, Prelude To a Kiss, ‘Round Midnight, The Man I Love – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ Beautiful Love – Source: Wikipedia.org © 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter

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