"Bud is a genius." said Charlie Parker. "Bud is a genuine genius." asserted Duke Ellington. "If I had to choose a single musician according to his artistic merit and the originality of his creation, but also for the greatness of his work, it would be Bud Powell. Nobody could measure up to him." replied Bill Evans. "No one could play like Bud; too difficult, too quick, incredible!" exclaimed Thelonious Monk.
These are just a few quotes from other legends of jazz to describe the piano playing of one of the greatest jazz pianists that ever lived. It is without a doubt on any great jazz musician's mind that Bud could swing like no other pianist before or after him. Those lightning quick single-note runs, quick thunderous chord voicings that seem to just fall from the sky, and the mind-blowing creativity that seemed to flow from him effortlessly are what makes Powell a legend.
In 1947, Powell recorded his first session as a leader with Curly Russell on bass and Max Roach on drums for Roost Records. Through the years, Powell formed trios with other great musicians like Buddy Rich, Ray Brown, Percy Heath, George Duvivier, Art Taylor, Lloyd Trotman, Osie Johnson Art Blakey, and Kenny Clarke for Verve Records. He also recorded for Blue Note Records, Columbia Records, Norgran Records, Clef Records, and Mercury Records.
Here are is a selected list of recordings every jazz fan should own:
Bud Powell - The Complete Bud Powell On Verve - Verve Records
Bud Powell - The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 1 - Blue Note Records
Bud Powell - The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 2 - Blue Note Records
Bud Powell - The Scene Changes - Blue Note Records
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