Search - Bud Powell :: Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 1

Amazing, and Quite Possibly Divine

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 05/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you plan to invest in the complete "Amazing" series, then this is the place to start. Bud is the matrix of modern jazz piano, the Bird of the piano, the reason pianists began to speak about "blowing piano" rather than "playing" it.



On the other hand, if this is going to be your only disc representing Powell's inarguable genius, you may wish to consider a representative anthology. "The Definitive" and "The Ultimate Bud Powell" (compiled by Chic Corea) are both worthy collections, but the best bet is still the oop "The Best of Bud Powell: The Blue Note Years." Once you hear "Bud on Bach" you'll have a better understanding of the sublime baroque design of Bud's inventiveness at its apex.



I hesitate to suggest why Powell is so important--especially after reviewing another Powell recording and being chastized by subsequent reviewers for stopping short of complete idolatry of every aspect of his playing (maybe I'm monotheistic--jazz has traditionally recognized Art Tatum as the "God in the House"). Without commenting on his harmonic progressions and left-hand voicings, I feel safe in making the following claim: no pianist's right hand has combined such a lightning-fast, limitless melodic imagination with an equally impressive, dazzling yet flowing, rhythmic complexity. To listen to the brilliance of the playing on "Parisian Thoroughfare," only to have the self-critical Powell stop mid-stream and instruct the engineers to "cut it," is a supremely insightful moment into the mind of a superior creative being.



If the above is controversial because it's insufficient in its praise, I'm cheered that there are still listeners who care enough about Bud to insist on his deification. His music is certainly deserving of continued respect if not reverence."

Bop Classic

R. J. Marsella | California | 10/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording demonstrates the truly amazing talent that Bud Powell had both as an improvisor and as a composer of classic jazz standards. He is accompanied by a fine band featuring a young Sonny Rollins and the incredible Fats Navarro on trumpet. The ensemble playing is excellent with breakneck tempos and complex rhythmic changes. On Un Poco Loco Powell plays off of Max Roach's latin tinged drumming in a duet that by itself would be worth the price of this CD. Roach is always amazing but this tune is one I can listen to again and again. This CD deserves a place in any jazz collection. A true master at the height of his powers accompanied by great musicians on their way to becoming legends."

Classic quintet-but not the place to start

R. J. Marsella | 07/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The quintet session is so immortal and lavished with analysis, none is necessary here. In spite of the almost universal thought that this is "it"---the ultimate Powell recording that exemplies the artist, I say, think again. His entire career, and the myriad of periods and changes in his style, should be appreciated. As a lifelong Powell collector and student, I strongly recommend first-timers to Powell to start with the early Verve, Roost and Blue Note trios before coming around to this magnificent set, which includes the quintets as well as the handful of trio numbers such as "You Go to My Head" (one of Powell's greatest ballad recordings). ("The Complete 1947-1951 Blue Note, Verve and Roost" is a box set that captures most of his finest work.)"