Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen Trio - Friends Forever (1995)

Niels Pedersen made many rewarding recordings over several decades as a sideman with the late pianist Kenny Drew, so his making of a CD in tribute to him shouldn't come as a surprise. Joined by pianist Renee Rosnes and drummer Jonas Johansen, Friends Forever: In Memory of Kenny Drew primarily include selections which Drew loved to play. The Danish folk lullaby "Hushaby" is a bit unusual, as it includes a drum solo, as well as Rosnes' dirge-like piano. Pedersen's pulsing bass helps to disguise the introduction to "Someday My Prince Will Come," a lovely waltz recorded by numerous jazz greats. A lively post-bop workout of "Lullaby of the Leaves" swings like mad; while an initially funky introduction to "The Shadow of Your Smile" quickly gives way to a more traditional samba treatment. Pedersen's originals also merit attention. The medley "Future Child-Friends Forever" begins with the leader's intricate pizzicato solo, then adds his partners for the second song, which spotlights Pedersen's flawless arco bass. His special tribute "Kenny" reflects Pedersen's sense of loss without getting overly maudlin. This brilliant date adds to the already considerable recorded accomplishments of Niels Pedersen. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG.

Milestone Records, MCD 9269-2, 1997

Recorded 27th-28th August, 1995 At East Sound Recording Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark

Musicians:

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - Bass

Renee Rosnes - Piano

Jonas Johansen - Drums

Tracks:

1. Hushbaby {Traditional} (8:22)

2. Kenny {Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen} (6:26)

3. Someday My Prince Will Come {Frank Churchill, Larry Morey} (4:01)

4. Theme From Elvira Madigan {Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart} (3:59)

5. Lullaby Of The Leaves {Bernice Petkere, Joe Young} (4:15)

6. The Shadow Of Your Smile {Johnny Mandel, Paul Francis Webster} (5:37)

7. Sometime Ago {Sergio Mihanovich} (5:20)

8. Days Of Wine And Roses {Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer} (5:45)

9. Future Child -- Friends Forever {Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen} (9:20)

Credits:

Producer - Makoto Kimata

Recording & Mixing Engineer - Henrik Lund

Mastering - Phil De Lancie, 1997 (Fantasy Studios, Berkeley)

Design - Gilles Margerin

Art Direction - Jamie Putnam

Photography - Kirsten Malone

Liner Notes - Fred Bouchard