Bud! The Amazing Bud Powell (Vol. 3) cover

Bud! The Amazing Bud Powell (Vol. 3)

Bud Powell · 1957

43 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of intricate bebop melodies and dynamic rhythms that showcase Powell's piano virtuosity and improvisational flair.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Some Soul — The opening track sets the energetic tone of the album with its captivating rhythm and sophisticated improvisation, showcasing Powell's mastery of melody.
  • →
    Don't Blame Me — This track exemplifies Powell's ability to blend lyrical expression with technical prowess, creating an emotional depth that resonates throughout the performance.
  • →
    Moose the Mooche — A lively rendition of a classic tune that highlights Powell's innovative approach to rhythm and phrasing, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
70 /100
Alpine
Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

This album highlights Powell's innovative approach to jazz piano, balancing complexity and accessibility.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases Powell's improvisational skills, with extended solos that explore complex harmonic structures.
  • The first half of the album maintains a brisk tempo, while the latter tracks introduce slower, more contemplative pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • intricate melodies for detail lovers
  • vibrant energy for late nights
  • wave-like pacing for engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike complex melodic structures
  • prefer straightforward, fast tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1957, Bud Powell was already a pivotal figure in the bebop movement, and 'Bud! The Amazing Bud Powell (Vol. 3)' is part of his prolific output during this era. This album followed his influential recordings for Blue Note, marking his continued evolution as a leading jazz pianist after overcoming personal challenges.
Stylistic neighbors
Thelonious Monk· Bill Evans· Oscar Peterson

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Some Soul 7:00
  • 2 Blue Pearl 3:48
  • 3 Blue Pearl (alternate take) 4:05
  • 4 Frantic Fancies 4:53
  • 5 Bud on Bach 2:33
  • 6 Keepin’ in the Groove 2:56
  • 7 Idaho 5:18
  • 8 Don’t Blame Me 7:34
  • 9 Moose the Mooche 5:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata