Big Band Bud

From Italy with Love

Pianist Walter Bishop, Jr., who came of age during the early days of bebop, was a Bud Powell fanatic. For inspiration, he carried a photo of Bud in his wallet. Sonny Rollins felt the same way.

The session Sonny refers to was Bud Powell’s Modernists for Blue Note Records. Fats Navarro, trumpet; Sonny Rollins, tenor sax; Bud Powell, piano; Tommy Potter, bass; Roy Haynes, drums. WOR Studios, NYC, August 9, 1949. Bouncing With Bud, Wail, Dance Of The Infidels and 52nd St. Theme.

Bud Powell is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of bebop and a major totem for pianists. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, including mental health issues and struggles with substance abuse, Powell's contributions are profound. His innovative approach to harmony, rhythm, and melody set new standards for jazz piano playing, characterized by its lightning-fast right-hand runs, intricate left-hand chord voicings, and a unique sense of swing.

Luca Missiti leads one of Europe’s hippiest big bands, the Monday Orchestra, based in Rome. They recently released Un Poco Loco, The Music of Bud Powell featuring Luca’s arrangements of Bud’s compositions. celebrating the centenary of the birth of Earl Rudolph “Bud” Powell, one of the most significant figures in the history of jazz piano.

I know Luca from his Michael Brecker tribute recording, Never Alone, featuring Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer and Mike Mainieri.

The liner notes to Un Poco Loco reveal that he has a “preference for Thad Jones and his phenomenal ‘specials,’” especially those written for reeds, and has focused on the masters of arrangement including Bob Brookmeyer. Luca also has an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz composers from Ellington to Gil Evans guiding him towards a modern jazz language that is as connected to its historical and expressive roots, lived essentially as a “tradition in movement.”

Listen to Parisian Thoroughfare

Listen to Un Poco Loco

Listen to Bouncing with Bud

Right now, Un Poco Loco is only available for purchase on CD in Italy, but hopefully, they’ll hook up online global distribution. This music needs to be heard.

Bud Powell lives!