What makes This Is New by Kenny Drew notable?

This Is New is significant for its critical reception within jazz circles, receiving praise for its innovative arrangements and Drew's improvisational skill. The album helped solidify Drew's reputation in the hard bop genre, influencing subsequent pianists and contributing to the evolution of jazz during the late 1950s. Released in 1957, This Is New marked Kenny Drew's first album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a sought-after sideman in New York's jazz scene. His previous work included collaborations with notable artists like Art Blakey and Max Roach, highlighting his transition to a prominent solo artist with this project.

Who is This Is New for?

This Is New works well if you're into intricate melodies that captivate attention, moments of rhythmic complexity and sophisticated piano interplay.

How many songs are on This Is New?

This Is New has 7 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

This Is New

Kenny Drew · 1957

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant interplay of intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Drew's masterful piano within the hard bop tradition.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Is New — The title track sets the tone for the album with its lush harmonies and intricate piano lines that showcase Drew's unique style and vision.
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You're My Thrill — This track highlights Drew's ability to convey deep emotion through melodic phrasing while maintaining a brisk tempo, capturing the essence of post-bop sensitivity.
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It's You or No One — Drew's interpretation of this standard reveals his prowess in blending traditional jazz elements with modern improvisation, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Drew's first album as a bandleader displays strong compositions and skilled execution within the hard bop tradition.

What we noticed

The album features intricate piano melodies that often weave in and out of syncopated rhythms, creating a dynamic interplay between the instruments.
Each track showcases Drew's improvisational skills, with extended solos that highlight his technical proficiency and creativity.
The overall structure of the album balances slower ballads with more upbeat hard bop tracks, maintaining listener engagement throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intricate melodies that captivate attention
moments of rhythmic complexity
sophisticated piano interplay
gentle evening listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced tracks
want straightforward, simple melodies

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1957, This Is New marked Kenny Drew's first album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a sought-after sideman in New York's jazz scene. His previous work included collaborations with notable artists like Art Blakey and Max Roach, highlighting his transition to a prominent solo artist with this project.
Stylistic neighbors: McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Bill Evans

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 This Is New 6:53
2 Carol 4:27
3 It's You or No One 8:05
4 You're My Thrill 5:16
5 Little T 6:05
6 Paul's Pal 6:35
7 Why Do I Love You? 5:12

What to play next

Listen next

Kenny Drew Trio

1957

Go back to

A Harry Warren Showcase

1957

Full Kenny Drew discography Artists like Kenny Drew

hard bop post-bop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata