Richie Powell
Piano Solo on
Joy Spring

About

Richie Powell's piano solo is the third of four solos on this recording, following Clifford Brown on trumpet. Spanning one chorus of the 32-bar ABCA form in F at a brisk 161 BPM with a swing feel, Powell takes one chorus at the piano, his playing complementing the tune's gentle swing. Richie Powell was just 22 to 23 years old at the time of this recording, already displaying remarkable maturity. Powell brings both harmonic sophistication and melodic invention to the improvisation, utilizing the piano's full range to build and release tension throughout.

Richie Powell was 22 to 23 years old at the time.