Drene Ivy

Hey Kat I've been a fan of yours since I was a Young Lad. you've been a legend as far back as I can remember.

what's going on with you?
FH - Fred Hammond

There I honed my jazz chops and finely tuned my ear with the help of the extraordinary Drene Ivy, a wonderful pianist from Cleveland. I still remember him pulling me aside one night and saying "you're not playing the concept man". I asked him what that was and he said "I can't explain it. Come over to my place and we'll listen to some sides together". I replied, "no need, I know what I need to do". I went out and bought every Eddie Gomez, Ray Brown and Ron Carter record I could find. As I listened to the masters, it became clear to me what he was talking about. By the end of the year Drene was turning around and smiling at me. I knew I was starting to get it. In hindsight, 1983 at Las Brisas would turn out to be the most musically rewarding (and challenging) year in my career. - Bruce Atkinson

Thanks so much Drene. That was so nice of you. I appreciate so much your encouragement and your prayers. I pray all is well with you. I also pray that you continue to use the awesome gift that God has given you to bless others. Know that you are making a difference in people's lives through the wonderful music that flows through you. Keep doing what you are doing and be encouraged. Hope to see or talk to you soon.....

peace and love

RS


- Richard Smallwood

If you were part of the Houston jazz scene in the 80's, it was hard not to be aware of Drene Ivy. Those who knew him remember his stellar talents as a jazz pianist, a composer, a teacher, and a deeply committed Gospel musician. Drene left town in the mid-80's to return to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and little has been heard from him since, until now.

A couple days ago, I got an email from Thomas Borling who had just returned from Cleveland.
"Just returned from Cleveland, Ohio. I heard Drene perform last night at Club Isabelle. He was backing a singer and Drene sounded great (the singer was good also). He asked about you and other Houston musicians that he knew here.

Perhaps you could post his web site on JazzHouston.

Here is the info.

Drene Ivy
P.O. Box 221377
Beachwood, OH 44122
216 798 4488
www.dreneivy.com"
info@dreneivy.com

I have a special appreciation for Drene since he was also my piano teacher at HSPVA. In life there are a handful of people that set your course. For me, Drene is one of those people. I'm sure many others who studied with him share this view. Beyond merely showing us the mechanics of our craft, he got us excited to play. His classes combined regiment (scales, scales!) with all sorts of listening, transcribing and composition. It was unpredictable and a lot of fun. We loved testing his perfect pitch too, which was flawless. In fact, it was borderline scary. Once I saw him sitting in a crowded lunchroom, writing out a chart, stopping occasionally to plug his ears, as if listening to something. When I asked him what he was doing, he responded "I'm writing out the bass line to this Lionel Richie song. I have to play it and the bass player I'm working with doesn't know it." Having only heard the song on the radio, he was able to transcribe it on the spot.

Every year that he taught at HSPVA, Drene-mania would spread across the whole jazz department. He had something to show everyone, from horn players to drummers. He even helped vocal students in their understanding (Drene also sings, of course). When he moved back to Cleveland in 1986, word had it that he stopped playing jazz entirely to focus on the Church. According to his newly discovered web site, he is the Minister of Music at a church in Cleveland and actively recording and performing Gospel music. But he's also gigging around town in Cleveland with jazz groups.

His third CD "With These Hands" has just been released. The track samples remind me immediately of the magical and unique qualities he possesses. I'm actively working on getting a copy, so look for more info soon.


- Andrew Lienhard-Jazz Houston