This 1956 album has just been remastered and reissued by Craft and Concord and is an absolute delight. Pianist Kenny Drew is accompanied by Paul Chambers (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums), both of whom worked with Miles Davis (and Chamber played on ‘Kind of Blue’) while the trio would later all play on Coltrane’s ‘Blue Train’. When there are three masters in the room then all one can do is sit back and marvel at what is taking place, and even though this album is nearly 70 years old it is the first time I have come across it and it is still as fresh and exciting as it was at the time.
Drew is a master improvisor yet keeps the melody going at all times while Chambers was one of a new breed of bass player, taking the music in different directions, while Davis acknowledged that Jones was his favourite drummer, so this is quite a trio to have working together. Recorded over two days in September 1956 and released by Riverside later that year, this is highly enjoyable the first time it is played, although it has been reissued many times credit must be given to the label for getting this remastered and issued as part of their wonderful series. Relaxing, vibrant and exciting, this is solid gold.
Rating: 9/10
Links:
https://craftrecordings.com/