Bud Powell (1924-1966) was one of the true geniuses of modern jazz piano. Along with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and a few others, Powell changed the conception of jazz in the mid-1940s, with the arrival of bebop. He experienced serious health problems throughout his life, and was committed to a mental hospital from late 1951 to early 1953. After a brief and fruitful period in Paris, he came back to the United States, where alcohol abuse led to his untimely death. The Genius of Bud Powell (Verve Records MGV- 8115) finds the pianist still in full control of his skills in a brilliant series of unaccompanied piano solos and trios. Three further complete Powell LPs, Jazz Giant (Verve Records MGV- 8153), Piano Interpretations (Verve Records MGV-8167) and Blues in the Closet (Verve Records MGV-8218), all of them recorded during the same period for Norman Granz, have been added as a bonus.

BUD POWELL, piano.On all tracks, plus:

Collective personnel:RAY BROWN, CURLY RUSSELL, GEORGE DUVIVIER, bass;BUDDY RICH, MAX ROACH, ART TAYLOR, OSIE JOHNSON, drums.Recorded in New York, between 1949 and 1956.CD1, 1-10: The Genius of Bud PowellCD1, 11-23: Jazz GiantCD2, 1-9: Piano Interpretations by Bud PowellCD2, 10-21: Blues in the ClosetOriginal sessions produced by Norman Granz..

• - 1 -

  • 1. Parisian Thoroughfare
  • 2. Oblivion
  • 3. Dusky 'N' Sandy
  • 4. Hallucinations [Budo]
  • 5. The Fruit
  • 6. Tea For Two
  • 7. Hallelujah
  • 8. The Last Time I Saw Paris
  • 9. Just One of Those Things
  • 10. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
  • 11. Tempus Fugit
  • 12. Celia
  • 13. Cherokee
  • 14. I'll Keep Loving You
  • 15. Strictly Confidential
  • 16. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm
  • 17. So Sorry Please
  • 18. Get Happy
  • 19. Sometimes I'm Happy
  • 20. Sweet Georgia Brown
  • 21. Yesterdays
  • 22. April In Paris
  • 23. Body and Soul

• - 2 -

  • 1. Conception
  • 2. East of the Sun
  • 3. Heart and Soul
  • 4. Willow Groove
  • 5. Crazy Rhythm
  • 6. Willow Weep For Me
  • 7. Bean and the Boys
  • 8. Ladybird
  • 9. Stairway To the Stars
  • 10. When I Fall In Love
  • 11. My Heart Stood Still
  • 12. Blues In the Closet
  • 13. Swingin' 'Til the Girls Come Home
  • 14. I Know That You Know
  • 15. Elegy [Elogie]
  • 16. Woody 'N' You
  • 17. I Should Care
  • 18. Now is the Time
  • 19. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
  • 20. Be Bop
  • 21. 52nd Street Theme