At the Brewhouse

Kenny Drew spent most of the last 30 years of his life living in Europe, so it is no surprise to see yet another concert recording emerge from that period. This excellent trio set with the superb Danish bassist Niels Pedersen and exacting drummer Alvin Queen, recorded just over a year prior to the pianist's death in 1993, features Drew at his very best. Pedersen's booming basslines and Queen's crisp percussion provide the perfect fuel for Drew's driving rendition of Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way," followed by an equally long and lush treatment of "It Might as Well Be Spring." The Israeli folk tune "Hush-A-Bye" is jointly arranged by the pianist and the bassist, becoming a swinging bop vehicle that merits further exploration by other jazz musicians as well. Drew works his magic once again with a stunning introduction to a very softly played "It Could Happen to You," followed by a dramatic take of "You Don't Know What Love Is," accented by Pedersen's unusual basslines. The closer is an extended and joyous exploration of the Miles Davis classic, "All Blues." Very highly recommended.