BUD POWELL
Paris Sessions (Pablo)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Bud Powell is considered one of the greatest and most influential pianist of all time. Present at and a major contributor to the founding of bop, Powell subsequently wrestled with personal problems. These demons caused his playing to become erratic from the early 1950s on.

All the music on Paris Sessions was recorded during the aforementioned period when Bud's playing went into decline. As the liner notes state: "After 1953 Powell's work reflected a degeneration of his abilities; his recordings became inconsistent and he never fully regained the astonishing technical prowess of his early years." So be forewarned, don't expect the brilliance of Powell's younger days. Some of the music is superb, some is average. But there are brief moments of beauty, when Powell played with simple eloquence, imagination, and delicacy, that are worth the price of admission.

Paris Sessions are some of the best cuts from the personal collection of Francis Paudras, a French graphic artist and amateur pianist who was Powell's guardian/friend during Bud's stay in Paris. The first six cuts are a trio with Powell on piano joined by Gilbert Rovere on bass and Kansas Fields on drums. These are the weakest selections. The next seven songs feature Powell with better band mates: Pierre Michelot on bass and the great Kenny Clarke on drums. Zoot Sims played tenor on one song and on another, Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet and Barney Wilen on tenor were featured. The final tune has Johnny Griffin on tenor saxophone, Guy Hayat on bass, and Jacques Gervais on drums.

At times, Powell was either not thinking clearly or if he was, he had trouble articulating his ideas. But this music still speaks with an emotional intensity seldom found elsewhere. All things considered, Paris Sessions deserve to be heard by all serious jazz fans. Just don't expect a Powell at the top of his game.

Track List:

Tune For Duke * I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good) * Satin Doll * For My Friends * Perdido * Rue De Clichy * Taking A Chance On Love * Get Happy * How High The Moon * John's Abbey * Bud On Bach * Be Bop * Crossing The Channel * Body And Soul

© 2002 - Ron Saranich