A remarkable piece of jazz history is set to reach listeners for the first time as Elemental Music announces the release of So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon, a previously unheard 1995 concert recording featuring legendary pianist Kenny Barron alongside bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Ben Riley.
Arriving June 12, 2026, the album captures Barron’s acclaimed 1990s trio at the height of its powers during a performance at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales. Produced by renowned "Jazz Detective" Zev Feldman and Jordi Suñol, the release presents ten inspired performances from a trio widely regarded as one of the most cohesive and dynamic groups of its era.
The recording remained hidden for more than three decades before being unearthed from the Jordi Suñol Archives. Originally captured on August 12, 1995, at the Brycheiniog Theatre during the trio’s European tour, the performance showcases the extraordinary chemistry between Barron, Drummond, and Riley as they navigate standards, originals, and jazz classics with remarkable spontaneity and intuition.
Available as a limited-edition 180-gram 2-LP set, a 2-CD edition, and on digital and streaming platforms, the release features newly restored audio by Marc Doutrepont and mastering by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab. The package also includes extensive liner notes and track-by-track commentary from acclaimed jazz journalist and historian Ted Panken.
For producer Zev Feldman, the project serves as both a historical document and a celebration of one of jazz's finest working trios.
“This co-led supergroup celebrates a fantastic trio that so many of us were fortunate to see live over the years,” Feldman says. “I think back to the times I saw them at the Village Vanguard and at Bradley’s in New York City. I think we're all grateful that Jordi Suñol captured these moments from these master musicians. This is a gift to all of us.”
The concert's journey to release began when Suñol, who originally presented Barron at the festival, reconnected with Elemental Music's Jordi Soley in 2024. The tapes, recorded by festival director Jed Williams, had remained in private hands for decades before receiving approval from Barron and his management for official release.
Across more than 105 minutes of music, the trio demonstrates the telepathic interplay that made them a favorite among jazz audiences throughout the 1990s. Highlights include a swinging take on “Oh, Look At Me Now,” an expansive exploration of “Canadian Sunset,” and a blistering performance of “Time Was,” where Barron’s melodic inventiveness is matched by Drummond’s masterful bass work and Riley’s driving rhythmic support.
The trio also delivers memorable interpretations of “Surrey With the Fringe On Top,” Freddie Hubbard’s “Up Jumped Spring,” and Thelonious Monk’s “Ask Me Now.” Barron’s original compositions are equally compelling, particularly the lyrical “Nikara’s Song” and the reflective solo piano piece “Silent Rain.”
The recording offers a vivid snapshot of three jazz masters operating as one musical organism. Barron’s elegant touch, Drummond’s impeccable sense of time and melody, and Riley’s unmistakable swing combine to create a performance that feels as fresh and vital today as it did in 1995.
Reflecting on the trio, Barron recalls the ease and camaraderie that defined their collaboration.
“On a personal level, it was a great trio,” Barron says. “I can’t recall a sour moment. I loved the way Ray played—solid, with great time and personality. The way he and Ben grooved together was perfect. If this concert turned into something special, it happened organically. When momentum builds, it’s because of everyone’s contribution. It was a group effort.”
More than three decades after it was recorded, So Many Lovely Things: Live in Brecon stands as a powerful reminder of the artistry, chemistry, and enduring brilliance of Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, and Ben Riley—three masters captured in a truly special moment.
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