Although
Kenny Drew, Jr. is the son of the well-known
jazz pianist
Kenny Drew, he approaches the piano from a far different perspective. Steeped in modern, more linear influences like
Bill Evans,
Chick Corea, and
Keith Jarrett, the younger
Drew is one of the top players of his generation, though many
jazz fans might not be aware of him, since most of his recordings have been made in Europe and Japan, including this
TCB release. Featuring bassist
Lynn Seaton and drummer
Marvin "Smitty" Smith, the trio tackles a wide range of material with enthusiasm. His reworking of
Steve Swallow's swirling
"Falling Grace" transforms it into an intense
post-bop vehicle. His spacious arrangement of
Vince Guaraldi's
"Great Pumpkin Waltz" begins with a lush solo and displays his solid background in
classical piano studies.
Charles Mingus'
"O.P." (a tribute to bassist
Oscar Pettiford) is scored as an intense
Latin-flavored
bop chart, featuring
Smith's powerful percussion.
Drew's playful take of
Corea's
"Mirror Mirror" is a masterpiece. His elegant treatment of his father's sumptuous
ballad "Images" showcases
Seaton's warm arco bass, while the senior
Drew's
"Only You" is a gorgeous piano solo. The leader also contributed two valuable originals. The lighthearted
"Nelson Avenue Morning" and both takes of his thunderous
"Serial Blues" indicate that the apple did not fall far from the tree (in terms of musical talent), even though
Kenny Drew, Jr. had little contact with his father during his formative years as a musician. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden
