Search - Bud Powell, Don Byas :: Tribute to Cannonball

Inspired late period Powell

L. Chin | 07/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those fortunate enough to own this recording, in any form, should be thankful. It is a classic. Produced by Cannonball Adderley and recorded during Bud Powell's 1960s stay in Europe, it chronicles one of Powell's crispest and most lively sessions, with one of the tightest groups he played with in that decade. And what a quintet. Don Byas, the master tenor bridging swing and bop styles. Master drummer Kenny Clarke, Idrees Sulieman on trumpet, Pierre Michelot on bass. Powell is "on", blazing on "Cherokee" and "Just One of Those Things". The treatment of "I Remember Clifford" is heartfelt and poignant. The swinging "Good Bait" catches Powell in an especially great mood."

Emphatically disagree with the below. A superb session.

L. Chin | 08/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When studying the universe of Bud Powell recordings, it is crucial to not only understand the evolution of his style (clear early, middle and late periods, each of which was distinctive and marked genuine MUSICAL GROWTH---the overhyped "health" and "alcohol" issues notwithstanding), "Tribute to Cannonball" undoubtedly stands out as a superior late period recording in which Bud was INSPIRED, ENERGETIC and NEARLY FLAWLESS---close to peak form. In the final years, Powell also reached this level on "Paris Jam Session" with the Art Blakey Quintet. The fact that he was surrounded by musicians with which he enjoyed rapport is obvious. Key in on Bud's comping as well as his soloing. He is magnificent here. STRONGEST RECOMMENDATION."