by Scott Yanow
It seems strange that (with the exception of a 1960 session for Blue Note) this would be pianist Kenny Drew's last session as a leader until 1973. With bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Philly Joe Jones, Drew interprets eight Rodgers and Hart tunes, five written for the play Pal Joey and three of their earlier hits that were included in the film version. Drew contributes swing and subtle bop-based improvising to these superior melodies (which are highlighted by &Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,& &I Could Write a Book,& and &The Lady Is a Tramp&), and the results are quite memorable.