Rather sadly, this compilation is an instructive study of the effect of electro-shock therapy on a talented jazz musician. Bud Powell was a pianist of great fire, intensity, and fluency, and his emphasis on right-hand calisthenics made him the prototypical bebop pianist. He almost completely submerged elements of blues and swing at times, and his right-hand emphasis belied his classical training. Unfortunately, he also suffered from mental illness, and his hospitalization and concurrent therapy dulled his edge at a time when he was bop's most influential pioneer this side of Charlie Parker.
The first session included here dates back to 1947, Powell's first session as a leader. Backed by Curly Russell's bass and Max Roach's drums, Powell combines the artistry and technique of Art Tatum with the wild-eyed fury and creativity of Thelonious Monk. "Indiana" offers a prime example of Powell at his most frenetic: His right-hand runs are full of energy and he has the dexterity to pull off his waterfall of ideas. The dazzling arpeggio that ends "I'll Remember April" illustrates his Tatum influence. On "Bud's Bubble" (also known as Parker's "Crazeology"), he nearly bursts his bubble with astonishing right-hand flurries coupled with stern rhythmic punctuations from his left hand. The Powell favorite "Nice Work If You Can Get It" becomes the perfect playground for his active right hand while the flowery "Everything Happens to Me" finds him indulging in romantic melodies.
The collection resumes in 1953 (with George Duvivier and Art Taylor in support), and while his piano is not quite as fluid or full of life (due to his therapy and perhaps his consistent sedation), it is no less compelling. Romantic ballads are tinged with sadness and weight. On up-tempo workouts, his ideas are not pouring out of him like they once were, but they're being squeezed out of him, adding considerable meaning to his phrases. On "My Heart Stood Still," he uses Monk's polytonality and piercing harmonic accents, almost as if he's consciously compensating for his reduced dexterity. "My Devotion" is introspective and agonizing, although he shows a small taste of his early fire on Dizzy Gillespie's "Woody 'N You." Both incarnations of Bud Powell are worth study, and this album offers a glimpse of both the boundless young man and the troubled veteran, all within a period of six years.
If you like Bud Powell, check out:
Oscar Peterson We Take Requests
Bud Powell Jazz at Massey Hall, Vol. II
psst...you might wanna check out our swing links for more features on swing artists.
-- Marc Greilsamer
