Search - Bud Powell :: Strictly Powell

A Poor Representation of Powell's Genius

s_molman | CT United States | 01/06/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"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."