Kenny Drew – Kenny Drew And His Progressive Piano (Full Album)

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Kenny Drew and His Progressive Piano (also released as The Modernity of Kenny Drew) is a 12″ LP record album by American jazz pianist Kenny Drew containing sessions recorded in 1953 and 1954 (some of which were originally released as a 10″ LP The Ideation of Kenny Drew) and released on the Norgran label (Wikipedia).

AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden:
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. Reissued on CD in Japan by Polygram in 1992, this disc is well worth acquiring for bop fans, providing they can find it (http://www.allmusic.com/album/kenny-drew-and-his-progressive-piano-mw0001004724).


Track listing:
All compositions by Kenny Drew except as indicated

Bluesville” – 5:24
Angie” – 5:36
I Can Make You Love Me” (Peter DeRose, Bob Russell) – 3:56
My Beautiful Lady” – 5:36
Many Miles Away” – 2:43
52nd Street Theme” (Thelonious Monk) – 3:23
I’ll Remember April” (Gene DePaul Patricia Johnston, Don Raye) – 6:37
Four and Five” (Byron Gay, Marco H. Hellman) – 3:15
Polka Dots and Moonbeams” (Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke) – 4:18
Lo Flame” – 3:36
Chartreuse” – 4:31
Kenny’s Blues” – 5:57
Recorded in New York City in 1953 (tracks 1-5 & 7) and Los Angeles on September 2, 1954 (tracks 6 & 8-12)

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

Released: 1954
Recorded: 1953 and September 2, 1954
New York City and Los Angeles
Length: 40:09
Label: Norgran
MGN 1066
Producer Norman Granz