Bud Powell in Paris


Bud Powell in Paris is a studio album by jazz pianist Bud Powell, recorded in Paris for Reprise in February 1963 and released in 1964.

History

The album was produced by Duke Ellington with financial support from Frank Sinatra. Powell played the tune "Satin Doll" by ear after Ellington sang it to him during the session.
Alternates and outtakes from the session were released by Mythic Sound on Earl Bud Powell, Vol. 6: Writin' for Duke, 63.

Reception

In a review for AllMusic, Ron Wynn noted Powell's "uneven but often astonishing piano work," and wrote: "the vast majority of selections are performed with flair and conviction."
Writer Ira Gitler commented: "this album stands far above the painful Victors and Verves of the 1954–1956 period and is more like early Powell than the Blue Notes of the late fifties."
A writer for Billboard stated that Powell plays "smoothly and most brightly," and is "capable of conveying the subtlest of jazz moods."
Trevor Tolley of Coda remarked: "On 'How High the Moon' there is plenty of dash, but the fingering is not good... The record pointed to a decided decline."

Track listing

  1. "How High the Moon" – 3:54
  2. "Dear Old Stockholm" – 3:53
  3. "Body and Soul" – 6:05
  4. "Jor-Du" – 4:18
  5. "Reets and I" – 3:43
  6. "Satin Doll" – 4:45
  7. "Parisian Thoroughfare" – 1:56
  8. "I Can't Get Started" – 5:40
  9. "Little Benny" – 3:31
  10. "Indiana" – 4:37
  11. "Blues in B Flat" – 6:59

Personnel

Performance

Production