The Amazing Bud Powell

This 1952 release is an early high-water mark in jazz piano hero Bud Powell’s career. His innovative bop style is all over the album: Listen to the bold chord clusters and rhythmic intensity of the Afro-Cuban burner “Un Poco Loco” and the juxtaposition of dazzling runs and poignant harmonies on “Over the Rainbow” for a taste. With ballads (an astounding solo take on “It Could Happen to You”) and bop blowouts (“Wail”), *The Amazing Bud Powell* explodes with invention at every turn.

The CD reissues of the two albums titled The Amazing Bud Powell put the important recordings in chronological order (which they weren't in the LP versions) and add some alternate takes; all of the music has also been included in a definitive four-CD box set.