Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Bebop piano genius Bud Powell made his most enduring recordings as a leader for Blue Note, and was a catalyst for moving the label from the hot jazz on which it was founded, into the modern music made by Powell, Thelonious Monk, Fats Navarro, and others. Powell's 1949 and 1951 quintet & trio sessions were first released in 1952, in the form of the 10" LP The Amazing Bud Powell, and later expanded as The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 1, when Blue Note moved to the 12" LP and launched the 1500 series in 1955. The quintet date featured the pianist with the likes of trumpeter Fats Navarro, tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins, bassist Tommy Potter, and drummer Roy Haynes performing Powell originals such as 'Dance of the Infidels,' 'Wail,' and 'Bouncing with Bud.' The trio date featured bassist Curly Russell and drummer Max Roach joining Powell on the jaunty classic 'Un Poco Loco,' presented here in three evolving takes, along with timeless versions of Powell's 'Parisian Thoroughfare' and Dizzy Gillespie's 'A Night In Tunisia,' as well as showstopping solo piano performance of 'It Could Happen To You.'