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A collection of previously unreleased materials by the Kenny Drew Trio, originally recorded for Japanese labels Baystate and Alpha beween 1972 and 1992, now released to commemmorate the 20th anniversary of his passing. A rich trove of superb piano trio performances!

American pianist Kenny Drew (1928-1993) moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1964. Although he may have somewhat faded from the radar of American jazz fans, he had a fantastic career in Denmark and was beloved by European and Japanese jazz fans. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Drew’s popularity in Japan grew to incredible heights when he began recording for Japanese labels such as Baystate and Alpha under a partnership with Japanese producer Makoto Kimata.

To commemmorate the 20th anniversary of Drew’s passing, a very special series was launched in Japan in 2013, with a release of previously unpublished materials recorded for the two labels between 1972 and 1992. Most of them are alternate takes and takes that did not make onto the original albums released in this period. Danish super-bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen held the bass chair throughout, and the drummer is either Ed Thigpen, a fellow American expat who had settled in Copenhagen, or Alvin Queen.

This particular CD is a straight reissue of an out-of-print live album called Piano Night, recorded in Switzerland in 1992, less than 15 months before Drew’s passing at age 64. The drum chair was occupied by Alvin Queen. The performance in this exciting live album is very strong, and the sound quality, especially of the piano, is also excellent.

Very highly recommended to fans of Kenny Drew and piano trio jazz!”

Track listing:
01. In Your Own Sweet Way (Brubeck) – 00:00
02. It Might as Well Be Spring (Rodgers) – 12:04
03. Bluesology (Jackson) – 21:18
04. Samba Petite (Pedersen) – 30:18
05. Yesterdays (Kern) – 36:34
06. My Shining Hour (Arlen) – 43:48
07. St. Thomas (Rollins) – 52:54

Personnel:
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen – bass
Alvin Queen – drums
Kenny Drew – piano

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Label: After Beat – PCCY-30211
Series: Kenny Drew The 20th Memorial
Format: CD, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Stereo, Paper Sleeve Mini LP
Country: Japan
Released: Oct 16, 2013

Recorded: Live In Kurtheather Baden, Switzerland, May 20, 1992