A re-rip and re-post from the old Krypt.Now here is one you absolutely will not find anywhere else since I doubt that more than 50 were ever pressed. James Drew may be known to some of you as an obscure Classical composer and pianist, but in the late 70's, early 80's he spent some time here in New Orleans teaching and playing jazz. Prior to that he also recorded in New York with big names like Elvin Jones. He made this one album here under the auspices of The Louisiana State Arts Council. Given the high quality of the music played here one could wish for a higher recording quality (it was actually engineered by Steve Masakowski and it may be his only effort in that vein) but it is what it is.
Drew's band mates for the date are Jim Singleton (Astral Project, etc.), Rick Margitza (who spent a lot of time here in the 80's due to his association with Masakowski) and Jeff Boudreaux (who would soon relocate to Europe where he shows up on Adrian Mears' New Orleans Hard Bop recording). The music is all fascinating James Drew originals, well worth the time to investigate; there are elements of his playing that remind me of Mike Nock, if you need a reference.
All in all this is a lovely, ultra rare recording that I recommend highly despite the deficiencies in the sound engineering. Thanks again go to my friend 'guitar scott' who has one of the very few copies of this that remain anywhere since Katrina devastated so many New Orleans vinyl collections.
