Requisites

The Kenny Drew Trio steps into the spotlight for this morning’s discussion with their 1980 album, Ruby My Dear (SteepleChase Records SCS 1129). This was Kenny’s fourth release on the Danish label using a trio format, the first three are Dark Beauty (1974), If You Could See Me Now (1975), and Morning (1976). Here, Drew’s working with David Friesen on bass and Clifford Jarvis on drums.  My copy used in this report is the US Stereo album sharing the Danish catalog number.

Kenny began playing the piano at age five, and later attended the High School of Music & Art. His first recording was with Howard McGhee. He’s also worked with John Coltrane, Buddy DeFranco, Johnny Griffin, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Buddy Rich, Dinah Washington, and Lester Young among others. Drew also led his own groups throughout the fifties and has an extensive discography as a leader and sideman. Bassment, an uptempo original by Kenny launches Side One with an exciting introduction into a spirited melody. The leader’s opening solo sizzles right from the start, then David ends with an effective climax into the threesome’s closing chorus.

Thelonious Monk composed some of the most evocative standards in jazz and Ruby My Dear is one of his most beautiful songs. It’s named for Monk’s first love, Rubie Richardson, and was originally released in 1947, then later reissued on Genius of Modern Music, Volume 1 (1952). The trio starts the melody speaking elegantly, then Drew provides a solo of serene beauty into an intimate coda. Gentle Rain possesses a Bossa Nova flavor as originally intended by its creator, Luis Bonfá who wrote it with Matt Dubey. It premiered in The Gentle Rain that Bonfá scored with Eumir Deodato a year later. The group’s theme is sweet and lovely. Kenny swings softly on the only reading with an enchanting reading.

Side Two starts with Kenny’s Ending. This very pretty ballad opens with a short introduction by the trio preceding an elegant melody. Drew cultivates a very beautiful tone into a memorable interpretation. Friesen delivers the closing performance with easy assurance, ending with a tranquil finale. Sunspots by Austin Wells gets underway with a very pretty introduction of gentle cascades on the piano, gradually growing to a lively frolic on the opening chorus. Kenny starts the solos with a lengthy interpretation that’s a work of art. David steps in next for a rousing statement of effortless artistry. Clifford has an invigorating exchange with the leader and bassist on a breathtaking finale ahead of a soft climax.

Ruby My Dear was produced by SteepleChase Records’ Founder Nils Winther and the man behind the dials is Freddy Hansson. Both men put their talents to great use because the sound quality is astonishing with superb fidelity, placing the trio in your listening room to fill your ears with excellent music. If you’re seeking some outstanding bop for your library, I enthusiastically offer for your consideration, Ruby My Dear by The Kenny Drew Trio. It’s a perfect introduction to Drew’s music for newcomers, and an exceptional companion to his other three albums as well!

~ Dark Beauty (SteepleChase SCS-1016), Genius of Modern Music, Volume 1 (Blue Note BLP 5002), If You Could See Me Now (SteepleChase SCS-1034), Morning (SteepleChase SCS-1048), Ruby My Dear (Blue Note 549) – Source: Discogs.com
~ Kenny Drew, Ruby My Dear – Source: Wikipedia.org
© 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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