Search - Mel Powell :: Piano Prodigy

Great overview of wartime Mel Powell

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 10/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whereas I still think the two collections of 10" LP done under vanguard by producer Orin Keepnews were the best sides ever laid down by Powell this Ocium overview from 1943 o 1948 is a superb collection.It includes a full spectrum of Powell solo ,with his own septet/orchestra and Glen Millers band as ,well as the Benny Goodman sextet (one tune "I got Rhythm").In addition to many standards of day it includes Powell compositions which are just great.This with the two Vaguard sessions are just gems by this man who was a cil prodigy who was taken under wing of Tatum himself and has a style which synthesises the fluid swing of Teddy Wilson and genius of both Tatum an even more so Earl Hines.It if swings your thing than this is great add on to your collection.And if you dig Powell also check out his contemporary Johnny Guarnieri whose work is very much in this vein of sophisticated advanced swing.

Chazz"