MartyJazz Posted February 26, 2004 Report Posted February 26, 2004 Kenny Drew Jr. appeared last night (2/24) at the Harriet Himmel Gilman Theater in the City Place shopping district of West Palm Beach. The concert was sponsored by JAMS (Jazz Arts Music Society of Palm Beach). His rhythm section mates were Bill Pillucere on bass and Tom Carabasi (d). Not having been especially knocked out by K.D. Jr's CDs, I went anyway because if you're into pure live jazz, southeast Florida does not offer much so one must take advantage of any opportunity to do so. In any event, I was forced to reassess my opinion of this pianist. He swung, both on evergreens ("Gone With the Wind", "In Your Own Sweet Way") and on originals composed by him and his more venerated father. Technically, he was quite impressive. He also performed an exquisite solo classical piece by a little known black composer, Robert Nathaniel Dent (sp?). This wasn't so much of a surprise in that the bio in the program indicated that he has been performing classical recitals in the past couple of years. All in all, well worth the reasonable $20 admission. Quote
Harold_Z Posted February 26, 2004 Report Posted February 26, 2004 I did many gigs with Kenny in the late 70s and early 80s. He's GREAT - absolutely GREAT. One of the best pianists I've ever heard or gigged with. He's got it all -chops, taste, knowledge - and in any bag. A great ear, He can hear it and play it. Funny thing tonight. Two of my old cohorts showing up on separate threads - the other being Vic Juris. Quote
TedR Posted February 26, 2004 Report Posted February 26, 2004 I'm from South Florida too. Unfortunately I missed the Kenny Drew Jr. concert. But on February 7th I was fortunate to attend the Melton Mustafa jazz festival at Florida Memorial College where MM teaches. Among the players in an all star band for the occasion were Dr. Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, Benny Golson, Jon Faddis, Mark Whitaker, and Winard Harper. To see these legends enjoy playing together was a once in a lifetime treat for me. Quote
Teasing the Korean Posted August 15, 2021 Report Posted August 15, 2021 I've been going through old CD-Rs and just found two Kenny Drew Jr. CDs that he autographed. He was bootlegging his own CDs and selling autographed copies at shows for five bucks a throw. Quote
Kevin Bresnahan Posted August 15, 2021 Report Posted August 15, 2021 I saw Kenny Drew Jr. many times over the years and never thought to get his autograph. I figured he'd be coming around for quite a long while. 56 is far too young. Quote
Teasing the Korean Posted August 15, 2021 Report Posted August 15, 2021 (edited) On 8/15/2021 at 5:54 PM, bresna said: I saw Kenny Drew Jr. many times over the years and never thought to get his autograph. I figured he'd be coming around for quite a long while. 56 is far too young. If you want an autograph, send me a PM. Edited August 19, 2021 by Teasing the Korean Quote
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