Trio/Quartet/Quintet Review
by Stephen Cook
[-]Similar to other bop pianists like Tommy Flanagan, Wynton Kelly, and Red Garland, Kenny Drew came out of the Bud Powell mold to develop a distinct sound. Similar to another contemporary, Duke Jordan, Drew also cut his stateside career short by emigrating to Copenhagen, leaving many American jazz fans with only a taste of his talent. Fortunately, Drew did cut some fine records in the U.S., both for Blue Note early in his career and, even more impressively, for Riverside in the latter half of the '50s. Drew's entry into OJC's commendable Riverside Collection provides a substantial enough overview of the pianist's work for the label and, like the majority of titles in the series, qualifies as a first-disc option. The majority of the record spotlights Drew in a trio setting, featuring him with drummer Philly Joe Jones and bassists Paul Chambers or Wilbur Ware. Taken from his first Riverside release, The Kenny Drew Trio, and the Rodgers & Hart tribute Impressions From Pal Joey, tracks like "The Lady Is a Tramp" and Monk's "Ruby My Dear" demonstrate Drew's deft touch and considerable creativity on both ballads and swingers. Drew is joined in the latter half by trumpeter Donald Byrd and tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley for a handful of cuts from the This Is New album. The feeling is relaxed and the interplay is top-notch, presaging what heights might have been reached on future recordings with the cream of New York's jazz players. Adding to the disc's already high stock are two CD bonus cuts from the trio sessions. A very enjoyable and engaging release.
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