Kenny Drew - Kenny Drew and His Progressive Piano (Remastered) (1954/2024) [Official Digital Download]

"Progressive piano" from a young Kenny Drew – already swinging here with a sound that's unlike anybody else at the time! The album follows nicely from Drew's early work for Blue Note – and like those sides, the groove here is a mix of creatively compelling solo lines, and a slight soulful undercurrent in the rhythms – kind of a blend of bop inspiration and some of the more creative 50s piano modes, all wrapped together with just a hint of the generation of players to come. The group features Eugene Wright on bass and Charles Wright on drums – and titles include "Angie", "Bluesville", "Four & Five", "Lo Flame", "Chartreuse", "Kenny's Blues", "Many Miles Away", and "My Beautiful Lady".

"This compilation pairs two of pianist Kenny Drew's earliest record dates as a leader, both of which were issued by Norgran in the mid-'50s. For the most part, the music is rather easygoing, with an emphasis on ballads. With bassist Eugene Wright (who would join Dave Brubeck's classic quartet within a few years) and either Charles Wright or Lawrence Marable on drums, Drew mixes seven originals, a pair of standards, and a couple of long forgotten tunes. The rapid-fire treatment of "Fifty-Second Street Theme" (with some fine bass work) and the oft-center approach to "I'll Remember April" provide some variety from the generally laid-back sound of the CD. Also rewarding are Drew's two solos, both of which are ballads: the obscure "I Can Make You Love Me (If You'll Let Me)" and the venerable standard "Polka Dots and Moonbeams." The pianist's compositions are enjoyable, though not particularly memorable." (Ken Dryden, AMG)

Kenny Drew, piano
Gene Wright, double bass (tracks 1, 2 & 4-12)
Lawrence Marable, drums (tracks 6 & 8-12)
Charles "Specs" Wright,drums (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7)

Recorded 1953 and September 2, 1954 in New York City and Los Angeles
Produced by Norman Granz

Digitally remastered.

Tracklist:
01. Bluesville
02. Angie
03. I Can Make You Love Me (If You'll Let Me)
04. My Beautiful Lady
05. Many Miles Away
06. Fifty-Second Street Theme
07. I'll Remember April
08. Four and Five
09. Polka Dots and Moonbeams
10. Lo Flame
11. Chartreuse
12. Kenny's Blues


Thanks to the Original customer!