Bud Powell
Piano Solo on
Buzzy

About

Bud Powell's piano solo is the 3rd of 4 on this recording, spanning one chorus at approximately 216 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 12-bar Blues form and the key of B♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. Positioned between Miles Davis and Tommy Potter, Powell bridges the conversation between the two. Davis navigates the brisk tempo with growing assurance, and Powell's single chorus on piano crackles with rhythmic energy. The tempo invites both sustained melodic lines and rhythmic interplay with the rhythm section. The faster tempo compared to other Parker blues recordings gives this performance a more urgent, driving character.

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