Rythm-A-Ning

Kenny Barron and John Hicks are both well-respected veteran pianists whose styles fall well within the modern mainstream of jazz, initially influenced by Bud Powell but today much closer to McCoy Tyner. They join forces for this two-piano quartet date with bassist Walter Booker and drummer Jimmy Cobb. Only the 5:35 "Ghost Of Yesterday" (a feature for Booker's bowed bass) and "Rhythm-a-ning" at 9:50 clock in under 12 minutes. Although it can be fun to figure out who is playing what when, Barron and Hicks have such complementary styles that they often sound like one pianist with four hands. Their riotous version of "Rhythm-A-Ning" is the highpoint of this successful collaboration.