Earl Rudolph "Bud" Powell was a towering figure in the chronicles of jazz, widely hailed as one of the most profound and innovative pianists in the genre's history. Born on September 27, 1924, in Harlem, New York, Powell was a key architect of the bebop movement, which redefined jazz with its complex harmonies, intricate melodies and frenetic tempos. Despite a tumultuous life that included struggles with mental illness and the effects of a severe head injury, his artistry at the piano set new standards for jazz pianists and has influenced countless musicians.

His career blossomed in the 1940s and '50s, during which time he performed with other bebop luminaries such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Albums such as "The Amazing Bud Powell" capture the essence of his genius, characterized by a fast-paced, virtuosic style and a mastery of rhythm that turned the piano into a percussive instrument. His compositions, like the enduring standard "Un Poco Loco," reflected a harmonic ingenuity that was all his own. By the time of his untimely passing on July 31, 1966, Bud Powell had left an indelible mark on the language of jazz piano—a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge musicians to this day.

Genres

Bebop

Hard Bop

Jazz

Jazz Piano

Related Artists

Thelonious Monk

Bill Evans

Miles Davis

Oscar Peterson

Charlie Parker

Dizzy Gillespie

John Coltrane

Art Tatum

Sonny Rollins

Art Blakey

Horace Silver

Cannonball Adderley

Latest Release

Piano Jazz: Bud Powell

Bud Powell

Album - 30 Tracks - Released March 28, 2023