Kenny Drew (August 28, 1928 / New York – August 4, 1993 / Copenhagen) spent the last three decades of his life in Copenhagen as a stalwart of vibrant European jazz scene. He left quite a number of outstanding recordings both as leader and sideman on SteepleChase. Here on his first trio recording for the label, Kenny Drew is backed by – to quote Melody Maker – Danish bass wizard Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and intelligent purveyor of rhythm Albert “Tootie” Heath. Dark Beauty whose album cover is graced by a portrait photo of his daughter Sabrina is one of the most popular albums of his recording career. “...extremely charming main stream jazz..” (Swing Journal) “...brilliant!” (Jazz Magazine) “Kenny has a relaxed, attractive style, free from embellishments or dramatic devices, but capable of generating happy swing…” (C.W. Meloday Maker on SCS 1016) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

A special release from SteepleChase's cradle period consists of the two "duo" (Kenny Drew on piano and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass) recordings originally marketed as SCS 1002 and SCS 1010 on LP. Re-mastered in a high resolution (24bits 96khz). No extra material added. "Drew and Pedersen have made this an artistic triumph...it finds both men in excellent form..." (on SCS 1002 DUO B.McRoy, Jazz Journal, UK Sept. 1973) "This is an album of great musical value which will give pleasure for a long, long time. (Chris Sheridan, Into Jazz, UK May 1974)

“...extremely charming main stream jazz..” (Swing Journal) “...quite dynamic and impressive modern jazz approach...it is too interesting a sample of Drew’s work to be allowed to escape unnoticed.” (M.J. Melody Maker, Dec. 4, 1976) “A valuable addition to the already extremely impressive series of albums Kenny Drew has recorded for SteepleChase over the last few years.” (M.S. Jazz Journal April 1976) Previously issued on SCCD 31016 & SCCD 31034

Kenny Drew recorded in a variety of settings for SteepleChase. Among his trio recordings, The Penguin Guide to JAZZ rates this recording as “the best one”. “ ...this is a trio not only of great virtuosity, but of greatly gifted melodic sense....” (Chris Sheridan)