Dexter Gordon & Kenny Drew & Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen

I'm really enjoying this today, particularly the second song, "Fried Bananas" (based on the changes of "It Could Happen To You"). It's a delight to hear Niels-Henning and Kenny Drew live with another jazz legend. I believe the drummer is the legendary South African Makaya Ntshoko, too. I need to find some books on the Jazz Diaspora in Europe...

It Could Happen To You in Scandinavia

Kenny Drew's Trio does one of my favorite standards, "It Could Happen To You." This trio, featuring Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass, has an impeccable sense of rhythm and knows how to make the standards sound contemporary. This trio never, to my knowledge, ventured into the 'new thing,' but they demonstrate the vitality of straightahead jazz and the European jazz scene.

Isn't It Romantic with Kenny Drew

A rousing rendition of one of my favorite standards, featuring Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass. Kenny Drew's bluesy soloing and comping is fantastic on this live performance from the 1970s. They're swinging so hard one does not even notice there isn't a drummer.