Powell plays some classic bebop in 1959

Bud Powell, the innovative bebop pianist who can be said to have transferred the style of Charlie Parker to the piano, spent the 1959-63 period living and working in Paris.

The brilliant pianist, who like many greats fled the social pressures of the US, had a bit of a commercial renaissance overseas, particularly in 1959 when he formed The Three Bosses with bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Kenny Clarke.

This live performance features Powell playing his uptempo original “Crossing The Channel” in a relatively brief but exciting rendition.

Personnel:

Bud Powell, piano
Pierre Michelot, bass
Kenny Clarke, drums

-Scott Yanow

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