Happy birthday Bud Powell

[B. Goren.]

Bud Powell could have been 85 years old today.

Bud was one of first discoveries when I've start listening to jazz many years ago and he remained one of my favorite pianists. A lot of Powell's recordings in my collection but I find myself listening to his live recordings from the Golden Circle (April 1962) more than to all the others.

Edited September 27, 2009 by B. Goren.

[AllenLowe]

you know, I think Bud Powell was perhaps the most profound American musician of the 20th century, and I just happened to be talking to Matt Shipp on the phone a little while ago and he mentioned the birthday - and said "Bud Powell is the source of everything. I can't even talk about it." And years ago Dave Schildkraut said "Charlie Parker was great, but Bud Powell had 10 fingers...."

I used to have a recurring dream of playing the piano and suddenly sounding like him -

Bud was it, probably my most constant musical inspiration. I've been working on a lot of new music lately and am back at writing at the piano, and I just can not escape the idea of his touch and musical voice. There is nothing else like him in the world -

Edited September 27, 2009 by AllenLowe

[mjzee]

I think all 5 could fit on one 2-CD set.

Yes, Bud was a monster. Such an innovative mind, the quality of his ideas! I think if he played sax instead of piano, he'd be more recognized.

Here's some of my favorite Bud (I have the U.S. release, not the Japanese):

Interestingly, in researching this response, I came across this, courtesy of the Andorrans:

Contains "Strictly Powell" and "Swingin' With Bud."

[AllenLowe]

well, I think the piano players still know him - and the older guys like Al Haig and Bill Triglia used to, literally, follow him around, club to club, just to soak it in.

Edited September 27, 2009 by AllenLowe

[B. Goren.]

I think if he played sax instead of piano, he'd be more recognized.

I dont think BP has any problem of recognition or under estimation.

[JSngry]

Between Bird & Bud, you can learn pretty much everything there is to know so far, as well as how to set about finding the rest of it...

[paul secor]

Bud.

[AllenLowe]

and he accomplished a lot, especially since he was drunk from about 1946-1955. I kid you not. Really 'tis a pity.

[Chuck Nessa]

I think all 5 could fit on one 2-CD set.

Don't trust the AMG times. It would take 3, but IIRC, SteepleChase broke up the dates to match sets - not a bad thing.

[papsrus]

Happy birthday Bud! Can't tell you how glad I am to finally have come to get to know you.

[AllenLowe]

polka dots and moonbeams

It could happen to you

reets and I

dance of the infidels

tea for two

I Cover the Waterfront

over the rainbow

(just a few recommendations)

[Teasing the Korean]

I always loved "Celia" and "So Sorry Please." Transcribed both.

In a way, it's so weird that he'd only be 85 - I thought he would be like 200 or something.

Edited September 29, 2009 by Teasing the Korean

[JSngry]

He was 200 when he died. Death has been relaxing to him.

[BillF]

I always loved "Celia" and "So Sorry Please." Transcribed both.

Winners!

[Gheorghe]

Count me in as one of Bud´s most loyal fans. I love everything he did.

and, that´s why I chose one of Bud´s pictures as my avatar.