. Powell has been described as one of "the two most significant pianists of the style of modern jazz that came to be known as bop
", the other being his friend and contemporary Thelonious Monk
. Along with Thelonious Monk
, Charlie Parker
and Dizzy Gillespie
, Powell was a key player in the history of bebop
, and his virtuosity as a pianist led many to call him "the Charlie Parker of the piano".
Powell's grandfather was a flamenco
guitar
ist, and his father was a stride pianist.
He was the foundation out of which stemmed the whole edifice of modern jazz piano; every jazz pianist since Bud either came through him or is deliberately attempting to get away from playing like him.
If I had to choose a single musician according to his artistic merit and the originality of his creation, but also for the greatness of his work, it would be Bud Powell. Nobody could measure up to him.
"No one could play like Bud; too difficult, too quick, incredible!
Bud was the most brilliant that a spirit might be, a unique genius in our culture.
Bud is a genius.
He laid down the basis of modern jazz piano.
Bud is a genuine genius.
Bud Powell was an iconoclast, as unique in his own way as Thelonious Monk. A lot of my own style comes from what I learned playing with Bud.... Bouncing with Bud explores all Bud Powell's recordings in a very readable way. I highly recommend it as a way for all jazz lovers to more fully appreciate the music of this incomparable artist.
I knew Bud from Birdland tour days and had the privilege of playing with him at the Blue Note in Paris in 1960. Although Charlie Parker was the man, Bud was the role model for a clearer understanding of chromaticism and harmonic possibilities in bebop as well as the impetus of forward motion - and incessant drive and exquisite lyricism. This book is a lover of this important artist. The book is great. I loved it. Bravo! Bravo!