Jazz music is an American art form and, understandably, it is dominated by American performers. However one of the most respected small groups in jazz today, the Oscar Peterson Trio, is led by a brilliant Canadian pianist accompanied by a Danish bass player, Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen, and an English drummer, Martin Drew. Martin’s large, smiling figure has been a feature of the British jazz scene for, at least, 20years. He has worked consistently at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London’s Soho, which is the jazz club in Britain (Martin describes it as a “national institution”) and one of the finest jazz clubs in the world. Martin’s work at “Ronnie’s” has included playing in various rhythm sections accompanying visiting American artists and being a member of Ronnie Scott’s own quintet. When his commitments with Oscar Peterson allow, Martin still plays at the club, in the studio, on the concert platform and […]

June 1985 Issue