Search - Bud Powell :: Definitive Bud Powell

Cross section of classics-for beginners only

07/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This sampler, like too many others, offers a rudimentary "one CD" cross-section of Powell classics, predictably from his most well-known Verve and Blue Note sessions, and also predictably, a great emphasis on material from "Amazing Bud Powell v.1 and v.2" (the quintets and overly popular tracks of which this lifelong Powell student does NOT consider superior to his early trio work, as the best ways to hear Powell, regardless of their marvels and historical importance, compared to other tracks that are more significant). There are other collections that do a better job "cherry picking" the best of Powell: those that highlight his first Roost and first five Verve trios, and those that sample Powell across his lifetime, including his greatly underappreciated late recordings and solo sessions."

WORTH BUYING

ALAIN ROBERT | ST-HUBERT,QUÉBEC | 11/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bop's greatest pianist is well sampled here.This is a good cd if you don't know his music.BUD's flawless right hand technique still mesmerize after all these years.Most of these numbers are his own compositions.POWELL was a classically trained pianist before he heard a certain ART TATUM who became his idol.I for myself always admired the way he plays the ballads.Like his mates PARKER,GILLESPIE and MONK,BUD is a fast thinker at the keyboard.The only fault of this cd is it's time slot:37 minutes,but it is well employed.All the stuff here are from what is generally considered his greatest years;there is nothing from the last ten years.The title of one of the track GLASS ENCLOSURE,could easily be the title of his biography."