Kenny Drew - For Sure (1978) [vinyl]

Review by Scott Yanow

Kenny Drew recorded two Xanadu albums in two days during one of his very rare visits to the United States after he moved to Europe in 1961. This rare quintet outing (with altoist Charles McPherson, trumpeter Sam Noto, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Frank Butler) features Drew playing at the peak of his powers. The material (four originals by the pianist plus two obscurities) is strong, is sometimes quite boppish and contains plenty of variety. This out-of-print LP was underrated at the time and is worth searching for.

Or for the more perceptive, review by KingCake:

In 1978 Drew made a rare visit home and recorded two albums in two days, this quintet session and a trio session to follow. Kenny is in spectacular form and his band mates are both sympathetic and talented enough to make this sound like a session from a group with real history together. The front line of McPherson and Noto are one of those special but relatively unknown pairings from the 70's much like Ira Sullivan and Red Rodney and throughout these Xanadu dates it becomes clear that the tandem of Leroy Vinegar and Frank Butler belong in the highest echelon of bass, drum duo's. The tune 'Dark Beauty' is enough all by itself to make this whole session worthwhile, but the rest of it kills too. You may have a hard time getting this one off of your player.

For Sure
Mariette
Arrival
Blues Wail
Dark Beauty
Context

Sam Noto (t), Charles McPherson (as), Kenny Drew (p) Leroy Vinnegar (b), Frank Butler (d)
Los Angeles, CA, October 16, 1978