Sphere Revolves Around Barron’s Creativity

It’s always a pleasure to hear Kenny Barron in action. Arguably one of the most versatile and gifted pianists on the current jazz scene, he seems capable of producing quality results in every imaginable setting.

In recent years, for example, he has turned up at various Southland venues heading a quintet featuring tenor saxophonist David Sanchez, in a stunning duet partnership with bassist Charlie Haden and in a renewal of his longtime involvement with the group Sphere.

It was in the latter setting that Barron turned up at the Jazz Bakery Tuesday night, performing with bassist Buster Williams from the original Sphere quartet (named as a tribute to Thelonious Monk, whose middle name was Sphere), with drummer Lenny White replacing regular member Ben Riley, and alto saxophonist Gary Bartz in place of the late Charlie Rouse.

Despite the ensemble’s long-term familiarity with one another, the set was an uneven collection of highs and lows. Not surprisingly, many of the superlative passages were provided by Barron. Always a superb accompanist, he offered supportive backing for Bartz, especially in the opening moments of the set, when the saxophonist seemed to be struggling to find his musical center. Interestingly, Bartz--primarily known as an alto player--was at his best while playing a curved soprano saxophone, improvising with a warmth and communicativeness not always present in his work on the larger instrument.

Aside from his rhythm section responsibilities, Barron was a consistently imaginative soloist, especially during a fast-paced romp through “Surrey With the Fringe on Top.” Much admired for his capacity to extract lovely tonal sounds from the piano, he made clear--in this particular solo--that he also has the technique to deliver up-tempo improvisations with grace, elegance and a powerful sense of swing.

As often happens in opening night sets at the Bakery, however, some of the sound was muffled and clattery. Williams and White--like all bassists and drummers who perform at the venue--will have to find ways to better adjust their playing to the room’s quirky acoustics.

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* Sphere, featuring Kenny Barron, Gary Bartz, Buster Williams and Ben Riley at the Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave. Tonight at 8:30 and 9:30, $25; Friday through Sunday at 8 and 9:30 p.m. $30. (310) 271-9039.