http://www.amazon.com/Portrait-Thelonious-Bud-Powell/dp/B000002AHTSomber but swinging Bud in later years. Healthy, technique good, not stoned this is one of Bud's finest outings. Mature playing, deep concept and execution. I say somber because there are no 400bpm Tea for Two or Night in Tunisia type show off songs that made him famous. Mostly Monk tunes, with some standards that Bud and Monk played a lot.
This is a upper bass lover's dream. The complex and dense left hand harmonies of Bud Powell played with a great acoustic bassist high in the mix. This recording is why I prefer sealed woofers. When there's more than one note in the bass.
In Europe he made several recordings, but on most he is not up like this one. This one is exceptional in that he plays great, band plays great, and the recording is by far the best sound quality of any Bud Powell recording. His Paris band, Klook-mop, Michelot. The album was originally titled Tribute to Thelonius. They loved and idolized each other. Another fav with this band is Live at Blue Note Cafe 1961. Not as strong playing as this, but more fireworks, tempo, and almost as good sound as this.
http://www.amazon.com/Powell-Blue-Note-Cafe-Paris/dp/B000005TDE/Out of print, but available on CD and vinyl.
