The Amazing Bud Powell
Bud Powell · 1951
41 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of bebop intricacies and lyrical melodies, showcasing Powell's virtuosity on the piano.
Top tracks — play these first
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Un Poco Loco - 1st Take — This track captures Powell's playful yet complex approach to rhythm and melody, exemplifying his unique voice within the bebop genre.
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Dance of the Infidels — With its intricate harmonic structure, this piece showcases Powell's skillful improvisation and ability to convey deep emotion through his playing.
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A Night in Tunisia — Powell's interpretation of this classic jazz standard highlights his inventive phrasing and rhythmic creativity, 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.
InstrumentalThe album captures Bud Powell's innovative style within the bebop movement, showcasing his virtuosity and compositional skill.
What we noticed
- The album features multiple takes of 'Un Poco Loco', allowing listeners to hear the evolution of Powell's improvisation.
- Each track showcases intricate piano lines that weave between complex harmonies and rhythmic shifts characteristic of bebop.
- Several tracks, such as 'A Night in Tunisia' and 'Ornithology', highlight Powell's ability to blend lyrical melodies with fast-paced bebop rhythms.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- vibrant energy for evening listening
- intricate melodies for attentive focus
- wave-like pacing with varied intensity
- playful rhythms for lighthearted moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1951, The Amazing Bud Powell marked a pivotal moment in Bud Powell's career as his first album after his return from a mental health facility. This album arrived during the height of the bebop movement, establishing Powell as one of its leading figures while he was still grappling with personal challenges.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thelonious Monk· Bill Evans· Oscar Peterson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Un Poco Loco - 1st Take 3:56
- 2 Un Poco Loco - 2nd Take 4:32
- 3 Un Poco Loco 4:46
- 4 Dance of the Infidels 2:54
- 5 52nd St. Theme 2:53
- 6 It Could Happen to You - Alternate Master 2:27
- 7 A Night in Tunisia - Alternate Master 3:43
- 8 A Night in Tunisia 4:28
- 9 Wail 3:09
- 10 Ornithology 2:26
- 11 Bouncing With Bud 3:07
- 12 Parisian Thoroughfare 3:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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