Kenny_Drew_Jr.

Kenny Drew Jr.

Kenny Drew Jr.

American jazz pianist

Kenny Drew Jr. (June 14, 1958 – August 3, 2014) was an American jazz pianist. His music is known for its hard-swinging bluesy sound and large, two-handed rooty chords contrasting with fast runs. The son of jazz pianist Kenny Drew, he did not credit his father as an influence.[1][2][3]

Quick Facts Born, Died ...

Biography

His initial study was in classical music with his aunt and grandmother.[1] In his teens he became interested in jazz and pop, but initially worked in funk bands. Later he went into jazz piano and in 1990 won The Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville, Florida. Drew continued to perform jazz, but he also performed some chamber music. His style has some similarities to his father's, but is different enough to generally avoid comparison; he was considered the more eclectic of the two men.

Drew attended Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, for a period during 1977 to 1978. There, he became pianist for the Iona College Singers, an entertainment troop promoting the college's name and goodwill among local high schools, retirement homes and the like in the Northeast region of the US.

Drew cited Thelonious Monk as an influence and like Monk often recorded (and performed) solo.

Drew died at home in St. Petersburg, Florida, on August 3, 2014.[3]

Discography

As leader

More information Year recorded, Title ...

Main source:[4]

As sideman

References

  1. [1]
    Scott Yanow, Allmusic biography.
  2. [2]
    George Colligan (4 August 2014). "R.I.P. Kenny Drew Jr". Jazz Truth. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  3. [3]
    Tamarkin, Jeff (August 6, 2014), "Pianist Kenny Drew Jr. Dies at 56". JazzTimes.
  4. [4]
    "Kenny Drew Jr. Discography". jazzdisco.org. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  5. [5]
    "Kevin Çelebi - Purge Corruption". iTunes. 23 May 2017. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  6. [6]
    "Kevin Çelebi - Purge Corruption". Google Play. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
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