A great hard bop trio recording gets a vibrant sonic upgrade.
The Kenny Drew Trio – Riverside/Contemporary Records RLP 12-224 (1956)/Craft Recordings CR00863 Original Jazz Classics [9/26/2025] 1Kenny Drew 180-gram vinyl, 42:51 *****:
(Kenny Drew – piano; Paul Chambers – double bass; Philly Joe Jones – drums)
Danish-American musician Kenny Drew began studying classical piano at the age of five. Early in his career, he worked with Howard McGhee, Buddy DeFranco, Coleman Hawkins, Johnny Griffin, Buddy Rich and Lester Young. He also appeared on John Coltrane’s 1958 album, Blue Train. Drew combined bebop-infused improvisation with block chords and harmonies. In the early 1960’s, he moved to Europe and became a seminal figure on the Copenhagen jazz scene. Drew recorded for Blue Note, Xanadu, SteepleChase, Riverside, Verve, Soul Note and Storyville Records. His style has been compared to Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson Fats Waller and of course, Bud Powell.
As part of the Original Jazz Classics series, Craft Recordings haas released a 180-gram vinyl of the 1956 Riverside album, Kenny Drew Trio. Session all-stars Paul Chambers (double bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums) make this a special album. This group creates a hard bop-inspired program of complicated mostly up tempo standards and originals crafted in blues imagery, Coming out strong, the trio takes on the iconic song, “Caravan”. Jones and Chambers execute bristling muscular rhtyhm as Drew percolates with swing-infused runs and relentless energy. The inherent sense of tempo is evident on the reworked “Come Rain Or Come Shine”. Drew embraces the essence of the melody, but interprets it with rhythmic swagger. The changing tempos (including a waltz-time variation) are compelling before it settlers into swing mode.
A certain highlight is Thelonious Monk’s ballad, “Ruby My Dear”. Drew captures the irregular timing of the master, but embellishes the phrasing with trills and chord modulation. At the 1:59 mark, Jones and Chambers join in and a low-key pulse anchors the pianist’s creative improvisation. There are moments of precise lockstep that are hypnotic. Drew’s first original (“Weird-O”) displays bebop aesthetics with bluesy context and forceful articulation. Drew’s piano riffs are spirited and Chambers shines on a bowed double bass run. Jones’ drum fills are gritty and magnetic.
The swinging affair continues on Side B with a rousing cover of “Taking A Chance On Love”. It is hard-driving and all three musicians bring their finest jazz intonation to the jam. It feels like they’ve been playing together for years and the ending is heart-stopping. In a rare change of place, the Pinocchio classic, “When You Wish Upon A Star” is more relaxed and atmospheric, but there are subtle upticks that make this unique.
Drew’s second original “Blues For Nica” is funky and evocative. Drew’s soulful elocution and notation are powerful and the trio makes another nimble transition into gentle swing mode. Chambers glows on a more traditional solo. The finale (“It’s Only A Paper Moon”) reinvents a vintage pop standard as a jazz statement. A furious arrangement showcases Drew’s technical mastery and moody resonance. His intensity and precision (with many soulful accents) are impressive. He and Jones exchange with alacrity. It is complex and accessible.
The Kenny Drew Trio is an excellent addition to the Original Jazz Classics. This is a high-level piano trio defining the artistic imprint of 50’s jazz.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
The Kenny Drew Trio
TrackList:
Side 1:
Caravan;
Come Rain Or Shine;
Ruby My Dear;
Weird-O
Side 2:
Taking A Chance On Love;
When You Wish Upon A Star;
Blues For Nica;
It’s Only A Paper Moon.
