Search - Bud Powell :: Paris Sessions

Strange cobbling of Powell recordings; a mystery

L. Chin | 08/01/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since the suicide of Bud Powell friend/advocate Francis Paudras, and the demise of Paudras' Mythic Sound label (which painstakingly chronicled much of Powell's career), Powell followers have waited for a comprehensive and respectful re-release of these recordings (the Mythic Sound LPs and CDs are presently collectors items).Unfortunately, "Paris Sessions", which includes samples from the Mythic Sound collection from 1957-1964, does little justice to Powell and his legacy. Rather than let the original recordings stand on their own merits, Pablo Records producer Eric Miller has chosen to (as the liner notes indicate) "find a new and more listenable presentation". Miller's mish mash selection of cuts fails to make sense. He does not choose the very best tracks from the period, nor does he bring them together well in an interesting thematic way. Tracks 1-6: from "Writing for Duke", the same session as "Bud Powell in Paris" (1963)---all arguably outtakes with Powell not quite at the top of his form (slurred and missed notes). 7, 8, 10: club tracks from "Groovin at the Blue Note" (1960). Powell is better on these. 9,11,12,13: club tracks from "Cooking at St.Germain 1957-1959. Powell is on fire. 14: "Body and Soul" from "Holidays in Edenville" 1964. A terrible warbling recording and a passionate but "off" Bud.In the end, Bud Powell is Bud Powell. There are magic moments even in this collection, which by itself does not offer a complete portrait of the great innovator. Here, sifting is required."