Green Chimneys

by Scott YanowIn the 1980s, Kenny Barron was recognized as one of jazz's top pianists, a modern mainstream master who two decades later is still in prime form. His 1983 trio date with bassist Buster Williams and drummer Ben Riley, Green Chimneys, originally consisted of six songs highlighted by "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise," "Straight No Chaser," and a lengthy version of "There Is No Greater Love." The CD reissue adds a second alternate take of "Time Was," plus three numbers ("Skylark," "When Lights Are Low," and Barron's "Morning Blues") recorded with the same musicians in 1987. The additions are of equally high quality as the earlier set, making this swinging program (which has almost 68 minutes of music) a bargain.