Tonight's Blue Note: Bud Powell - The Scene Changes

Bud Powell (piano); Paul Chambers (bass); Art Taylor (drums).

One of Powell's lesser known recordings which has, by some, been compared unfavourably with his earlier recordings which, given his mental problems at the time (1959) would be understandable - if it were true!

Fortunately it isn't and, for most of the time, it bears comparison with his greatest work. Admittedly there are moments when he occasionally is a little stilted in his playing but they are few and far between and don't detract from this album of originals. They just prove he is human. Paradoxically there are times when he actually seems to surpass himself - Crossin' the Channel is one such track, the title track another as well as the short  Borderick where he bursts into a stride chorus.

What is ever constant are his chord voicings. Fat and filling like a three- tier sandwich with plenty of mustard.

Chambers and Taylor provide adequate support although, for me, the former's arco solos seem slightly out of context. Taylor, however, is excellent and may well have been one of the most underrated drummers of the bop and beyond era.

Well worth checking out if you thought Bud Powell's star had waned.

Lance

Title track on YouTube.