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Now Was the Time
Harvie S, with Kenny Barron
CD Review
I’d almost forgotten how much I enjoy a piano/bass duo (nothing against drummers, of course). The newly-released Now Was the Time from bass veteran Harvie S reminded me of the pleasure I used to get from Bill Evans/Eddie Gomez, Tommy Flanagan/George Mraz (my buddy Don and me at the Belcrest Hotel in Detroit, Michigan in 1981) and so on.
This CD offers a variety of styles and feels, from bebop to ballads, from latin to waltz. Charlie Parker’s “Confirmation,” a strong and swinging opener, is followed by the latin-esque “All or Nothing At All.” Ballads “Body & Soul” and Wayne Shorter’s “Miyako” are beautifully executed. “Take Your Time” sounds like a bouncy version of the Mingus classic, “Good-bye, Pork Pie Hat.”
Keeping things interesting and unpredictable, “Darn That Dream” is played as a jazz waltz at a tempo that may be a little faster than you’re used to hearing. “Isn’t It Romantic” is played in a medium, feel-good groove. Harvie wraps things up with Billy Strayhorn’s classic, “Chelsea Bridge,” unaccompanied and pulling out all the (chops!) stops.
Though Harvie is the leader, he gives Kenny plenty of space for soloing and stretching out. Harvie lets Kenny take the melody on nearly half the tunes, as well as offering him plenty of “blowing” space. The duo approach is nicely balanced, skewing a bit toward Harvie, of course, but just the right amount. The interplay between the two musicians is dynamic. Harvie’s time feel is right on, his intonation nearly impeccable. Kenny’s playing, whether he's soloing or accompanying, can be either understated or daring, depending on what’s needed.
One never knows just what to expect from a “bass record.” Now Was the Time offers up a fine collection of standards, each one infused with the personalities of these two stellar musicians, both individually and collectively. The obvious fun shared by Harvie and Kenny comes across readily to the listener. Great tunes, great playing, great fun -- it’s all here.
Review by Jon Liebman
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