Duo Trip – Kenny Drew, Sr.

A unique song with an irregular form, Duo Trip is a workout for piano and bass. It's based on a tricky rhythmic theme (in which the bass doubles the melody), with an angular melody rising in fourths. This four-measure theme is in fact the only melodic material of the song; the rest of the head is open for a soloist. The head starts with a six-measure A section: four measures of theme and two for a solo fill. This is followed by a second A section extended to 10 measures, with different changes for the solo which continues through a 16-measure B section. The theme (in a slight variation) is also played at the beginning of each solo chorus, which is 24 measures in total length based on a shortened version of the second A followed by B. After the last solo again, the theme is played one more time followed directly by the out head, from the beginning; the coda, which starts on the fifth measure of A2, has two more measures of solo fill and then a final phrase, again rising in fourths.

There is no key signature; the changes imply an F major key center but only briefly touch down on the tonic. The beginning of B has rhythmic hits that break up the bass walking.

A duo Condensed Score is available for this recording. It shows Kenny Drew's fill at the end of A1, the first four measures of B, and at the coda. Piano comping rhythms are shown below the staff for the rest of B as well as some that Kenny often plays in the solo chorus.

Duo Trip is one of two songs on this album that were later recorded by Kenny Drew, Jr.; the other is Serenity.

Later in April 1973, Kenny Drew recorded with Dizzy Gillespie on the latter's album "The Giant & The Source," also featuring Johnny Griffin. Kenny's next recording after that, in July 1973, was Griffin's live album "Blues For Harvey."