Bud Powell - Bouncing With Bud

Bud Powell

Pioneering jazz pianist whose innovative style was one of the cornerstones of the bebop revolution.
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The session that produced this album was recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark on April 26, 1962. Personnel were two Danish musicians, the well known and highly regarded bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen (a.k.a., 'The Great Dane with the Never-Ending Name') and a drummer about whom I know nothing: William Schiopffe. I will say that Schiopffe's skills are impressive. Sound samples on this page convey the power of the studio performances. Not only are the musicians in excellent form, but the recording itself is clear and captures not only the sound, but somehow manages to record the spirit and energy of the session. What is interesting - to me - is the tracks that were selected. Monk's compositions are well represented with 52nd Street Theme, Straight No Chaser and - obliquely with Rifftide. The latter has a history behind it that is tied to Monk's Hackensack. I will discuss that in a comment to this review to keep it on focus. Ruby My Dear was recorded during this session, but did not make it to the album. Aside from Monk, the bebop-influenced theme is continued with Tadd Dameron's Hot House, Bud's own composition - Bouncing With Bud - and Denziel Best's composition Move. Benny Golson's tribute to Clifford Brown, I Remember Clifford, is a beautiful and sentimental piece that I have always loved. Bud and his other trio members did it the justice that it deserved. Although Irving Berlin's The Best Thing For You is an odd track given the other songs, it fit the album's theme perfectly. Wrapping up, this is one more piece of evidence that Bud was in full command of his powers as late as 1963. One of the highlights on this album is Pedersen's bass work, which adds a dimension to this album that should be studied by every bassist (and drummer) for how to create a pulse and mood that elevates the music.

By Mike Tarrani / Amazon

Copenhagen, Denmark on April 26, 1962

 

Bud Powell Bouncing With Bud

01.Rifftide (Coleman Hawkins)...(00:00) 02.Bouncing With Bud (G.Fuller/B.Powell)...(04:16) 03.Move (Denzil Best)....(10:17) 04.The Best Thing For You (Irving Berlin)....(15:16) 05.Straight,No Chaser (Thelonious Monk)...(21:17) 06.I Remember Clifford (Benny Golson)....(28:02) 07.Hot House (Tadd Dameron)...(34:18) 08.52nd Street Theme (Thelonious Monk)...(40:08)

Bud Powell - Piano Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen - Bass William Sciopffe - Drums

Label:Sonet(SLP 31)