Good post-prime Powell
Paul Robertz | Chicago, IL | 09/07/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have this one from ESP-Disk, with the 8 titles mentioned here, issued on ESP-Disk. I don't hear Zoot Sims or any horns anywhere, though. This is Bud Powell at his regular early '60s gig at the Blue Note Cafe with his regular working trio (Pierre Michelot on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums), most likely recorded in the fall of 1962. Zoot Sims did join this trio at the Blue Note Cafe for a few longer jams in January, 1961, which are available on Pablo and, if you're a collector, Mythic Sound.
If I heard only the 8 tracks mentioned here, out of context, I'd think they were nothing special by Bud Powell standards. If you want a good entry point to the music of Bud Powell, look for his 1949-1953 recordings for Blue Note, Verve, or Prestige, which display the dazzling technique which is not evident here. If you prefer later Bud, as I do, and want to hear dark, sparse intensity, look for "Ups 'n Downs" or his late '50s sessions for Blue Note Records. If you want to hear late Bud Powell which shows the up tempos and technique which made him famous, get "Live at Lausanne". Should you you want to hear the tortured genius falling apart, get his January, 1955 Verve sessions. This collection shows Bud doing his thing in a relaxed and familiar setting with his bassist and drummer of choice.
If you want to learn more about the context of this recording, you must read "Dance of the Infidels" by Bud's best friend and sometimes guardian, Francis Paudras. After reading that tearjerker, you can visualize the environment of the Cafe Blue Note, will know what Bud was going through at the time, and will want to check out more 1960s Bud Powell sessions.
"
Bouncing with Bud
Michael J. Bachman | clarkston, mi USA | 12/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the reissue with three added cuts featuring The Three Bosses (Bud Powell, Kenny Clarke and Pierre Michelot) on cuts 4-11 and The Three Bosses augmented by Zoot Sims on tenor sax on cuts 1-3(over 30 minutes!), which are are the cuts that weren't on the original release. The remastered sound is great as is the informative liner notes. I hope this becomes a big seller and DownBeat reviews it, as it is a keeper!
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1