Customer Reviews

Strictly Powell

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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bud Powell is one of my absolute favorites and I have practically everything that the man recorded, but this is not one of his best. The playing is limp and completely lacking either sparkle or Powell's usual nervous energy. I would hate for someone unfamiliar with Powell to buy this CD to try him out and be disappointed thinking this is what all the fuss is about. The other of Powell's RCA recordings (Swingin' with Bud) is far superior, if still not in the first rank of Powell performances. For those, you need to go to the first two volumes of "The Amazing Bud Powell", or some of his Verve recordings. This one is just for the competists (like myself) out there.

This was my first Bud Powell recording, and I think that it is amazing. All of the songs are catchy, and the solos are incredible. There is a lot of sparkle and brilliance in this record, contrary to what the other reviews said. I would strongly recommend it.

There are two distinct phases of Powell's career. The first, in which he was the greatest who ever touched a piano, blazing with intensity, beauty and inventiveness. The second, after increasing mental and health problems had diminished his skills, and after the development of a pared down, simpler sound (slower tempos, more block chords). This session, one of the two recorded in the late 50s for RCA (the other is "Swingin With Bud") is squarely in the latter and not a good one at that. It is similar to the bad Verve sessions from the 50s. I agree, it is not representative of the best of Bud. However, for those who wish to complete a collection, this set does contain some pleasant moments, if not much brilliance.