Unlike most tribute records, Kenny Drew Jr.’s homage to Bill Evans manages to breathe life into this collection of standards associated with Evans, and songs written by or for him. Drew demonstrates an appropriately sensitive touch on his original waltz that serves as the title track. He goes on to play a modern stride on “Green Dolphin Street,” a couple of greasy blues choruses on “Suicide Is Painless,” and a delicately lyrical “Two Lonely People.” The unexpected gem is an undeservedly obscure Evans holiday song titled “It’s Love, It’s Christmas.”
Kenny Drew, Jr.: This One’s for Bill
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