When Pianist Kenny Drew, Jr. won the Great American Jazz Competition in 1990, few were surprised. Kenny's father was a famous jazz man who nurtured Kenny's musical interest from early childhood. His aunt was his first teacher, but he is mainly self-taught.
Drew's musical preferences included classical piano and he soon became adept. The young Drew developed a masterful technique that impressed professionals in all genres of music.
Legendary producer Jerry Wexler, who discovered such acts as Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock and Bruce Springsteen heard Kenny play and was so impressed he came out of retirement to secure a recording contract with Island Records' prestigious jazz label, Antilles.
Kenny has worked as a sideman on recordings for Stanley Jordan, John Faddis, Stanley Turrentine, Smokey Robinson, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, and many others.
Kenny will perform in Key West this Sunday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Duval at Eaton. The event is part of the Impromptu Concert Series sponsored by the Key West Council on the Arts. This concert is a benefit for the Bahama Village Music Program.
Tickets: $20 at the door. Info: 745-2283.