Complete Recordings 19531954

In a jazz scene literally overflowing with brilliant pianists, the clear truth is that a disproportionate number of them rely on their skill as technicians rather than their imagination, their wit and their new approach to older ideas. Mostly, the latter attributes are lacking. In Kenny Drew, however, we had a pianist whose skill was readily apparentit was so apparent, in fact, that he chose not to belabor the point and astonish us with virtuosity for its own sake. Skill having been stated to everyones satisfaction, Drew went on to other mattersto the subtleties in shading and expression that made him unique.