There are some concerts you know will leave a permanent imprint on your memory, and my recent trip to New York City to hear Ron Carter’s trio at The Jazz Gallery was exactly that. With a lineup featuring Ron Carter on bass, Kenny Barron on piano, and Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums, this intimate evening of jazz was a masterclass in musicianship, creativity, and pure expression.
Each artist is a pillar of jazz history in their own right. Ron Carter, having worked famously with Miles Davis, has also played on over 2,200 albums! Kenny Barron has been a huge influence in modern jazz piano, as has Jeff “Tain” Watts equally influenced jazz drumming.
Up Close to Jazz History
The Jazz Gallery, nestled in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, provided the perfect setting for this extraordinary performance. Being so close to the stage (three tables away from the stage!), I could hear every nuance—every delicate note, every rhythmic shift—so clearly. Each musician exuded their own unique presence: Ron Carter, the wise sage with his eyes closed in deep musical meditation; Kenny Barron, whose effortless technique and deep harmonic knowledge anchored the trio; and Jeff “Tain” Watts, an electrifying force on the drums.
Ron Carter’s Spellbinding Solo
One of the highlights of the night was Ron Carter’s breathtaking solo bass performance. It began as an avant-garde exploration, with Carter using his right hand to rub the bass, creating a brush-like effect while his left hand plucked notes and executed hammer-ons and pull-offs. As the piece evolved, he wove in a heart-felt rendition of You Are My Sunshine with all the warmness his decades of musicianship has garnered him, seamlessly transitioning into a Bach cello prelude before returning to his original improvisation. The depth and inventiveness of his playing were simply unreal. It was fun to watch Jeff Watt’s face as he beheld Carter’s playing too! At the close of the solo piece, the audience erupted in applause.
The Trio’s Magic: Monk Tunes and More
The trio’s setlist was a celebration of jazz history. They performed two Thelonious Monk compositions—Well, You Needn’t and Green Chimneys—with remarkable interplay. Jeff Watts’ drumming was a revelation, blending straight and swung rhythms in unpredictable yet organic ways. During High Fly, he launched into a groove built out of a triplet figure from the melody, bringing an unexpected freshness to the tune with the unconventional, yet captivating feel. His dynamic, extroverted playing style filled the room with energy.
Kenny Barron, ever the master of restraint and wisdom, played with pristine technique and a deep display of bebop language. Though his approach was more grounded compared to some of his more adventurous recordings, he stretched out beautifully during a blues number, displaying dazzling creativity and harmonic sophistication.
Meeting Jazz Legends
Before the show, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Ron Carter himself in the green room. Soft-spoken and kind, he took the time to sign a record for me—a moment I’ll cherish forever. I also met Jeff Watts, Kenny Barron, and even Jonathan Blake, who was in attendance. Conversations with these jazz greats, along with rising stars Brandon Goldberg and Joey Ranieri, and fellow jazz lovers, made the night even more special.
A Snowy Walk Through Manhattan
For one of my few experiences in New York, it was even more surreal as a thick snowfall descended on the city that evening. I ended my night with a snowy walk through the blocks of lower Manhattan, reflecting on the unforgettable music I had just witnessed. My hotel room, perched on the 40th floor, offered a breathtaking view stretching all the way to the Financial District skyscrappers, making the entire experience that much more memorable.
Final Thoughts
This night at The Jazz Gallery reinforced why I love jazz—it’s alive, evolving, and deeply personal. Hearing Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, and Jeff “Tain” Watts up close was a privilege, and their performance was nothing short of masterful. If you ever have the chance to witness jazz at this level, don’t hesitate. It’s moments like these that remind us why jazz is worth celebrating and preserving.
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