Title: Classic Recordings: 1949-1956
Label: Enlightenment
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS

A leading figure in the development of bebop piano, the story of Bud Powell is as tragic as it is inspirational. A renowned composer who "greatly extended the range of jazz harmony", Powell's career was marred by a host of mental and physical problems that severely hampered his work as the years progressed. However, his contributions to jazz will forever be remembered with awe, and for the countless major players - including Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea - who cited him as an important influence, ensuring his legacy remains as potent as that of any of the jazz greats. Born in Harlem, New York on 27th September 1924. Powell's father, an accomplished stride pianist, enrolled Bud in classical lessons at the age of five, which led to him taking an interest in swing-era jazz by the time he reached ten. He began to mimic Fats Waller's playing style, performing at rent parties in the local area, before joining his elder brother, trumpeter William's, band at 15. It was around this time that he discovered the musician who would become his biggest influence, Art Tatum, and it was Tatum's virtuoso piano style that Powell strove to emulate. He began to visit many of New York's famous jazz clubs when still underage, to catch performances by Tatum, Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. The latter musician took the young Powell under his wing, and presented him as his protégée at Uptown House, while also introducing him to the group of musicians that gathered at Milton's Playhouse - pioneering venues on the early bebop scene. This period would have a profound effect on both pianists, and Monk composed the piece 'In Walked Bud' in tribute to their time together. This four disc set brings together the complete early LPs that Bud Powell released as leader or co-leader. Containing eight full albums in total, this set provides a fitting introduction to the music of the brilliant albeit troubled pianist, who so profoundly influenced further generations of jazz players

Tracks:
1.1 Deep Night 3:45
1.2 That Old Black Magic 2:54
1.3 Round Midnight 5:08
1.4 Thou Swell 4:29
1.5 Like Someone in Love 2:00
1.6 Someone to Watch Over Me 2:33
1.7 Lover Come Back to Me 3:36
1.8 Tenderly 3:20
1.9 How High the Moon 4:23
1.10 Tempus Fugue - It 2:29
1.11 Celia 3:00
1.12 Cherokee 3:39
1.13 I'll Keep Loving You 2:43
1.14 Strictly Confidential 3:09
1.15 All God's Chillun Got Rhythm 3:02
1.16 So Sorry Please 3:16
1.17 Get Happy 2:53
1.18 Sometimes I'm Happy 3:39
1.19 Sweet Georgia Brown 2:50
1.20 Yesterdays 2:52
1.21 April in Paris 3:10
1.22 Body and Soul 3:12
2.1 Un Poco Loco (1st Take) 3:49
2.2 Un Poco Loco (2nd Take) 4:32
2.3 Un Poco Loco 4:46
2.4 Dance of the Infidels 2:54
2.5 52nd Street Theme 2:50
2.6 It Could Happen to You (Alternate Master) 2:23
2.7 A Night in Tunisia 4:17
2.8 A Night in Tunisia (Alternate Master) 3:53
2.9 Wail 3:06
2.10 Ornithology 2:23
2.11 Bouncing with Bud 3:05
2.12 Parisian Thoroughfare 3:26
2.13 Reets and I 3:22
2.14 Autumn in New York 2:55
2.15 I Want to Be Happy 2:53
2.16 It Could Happen to You 3:17
2.17 Sure Thing 2:42
2.18 Polka Dots and Moonbeams 4:04
2.19 Glass Enclosure 2:22
2.20 Collard Greens and Black - Eyed Peas 3:05
2.21 Over the Rainbow 2:59
2.22 Audrey 2:58
2.23 You Go to My Head 3:15
2.24 Ornithology (Alternate Take) 3:12
3.1 Parisian Thoroughfare 2:32
3.2 Oblivion 2:12
3.3 Dusk in Sandi 2:16
3.4 Hallucinations 2:29
3.5 The Fruit 3:21
3.6 Tea for Two 3:32
3.7 Hallelujah 3:02
3.8 The Last Time I Saw Paris 3:16
3.9 Just One of Those Things 3:54
3.10 A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square 3:45
3.11 Moonlight in Vermont 3:38
3.12 Spring Is Here 3:27
3.13 Buttercup 3:02
3.14 Fantasy in Blue 3:07
3.15 It Never Entered My Mind 2:59
3.16 A Foggy Day 3:48
3.17 Time Was 4:20
3.18 My Funny Valentine 2:56
3.19 I Get a Kick Out of You 4:26
3.20 You Go to My Head 4:11
3.21 The Best Thing for You (Would Be Me) 2:41
4.1 Perdido 7:44
4.2 Salt Peanuts 7:41
4.3 All the Things You Are/52Nd Street Theme 7:52
4.4 Wee (Allen's Alley) 6:42
4.5 Hot House 8:38
4.6 A Night in Tunisia 7:37
4.7 Conception 3:33
4.8 East of the Sun (And West of the Moon) 3:52
4.9 Heart and Soul 3:15
4.10 Willow Grove 4:22
4.11 Crazy Rhythm 3:32
4.12 Willow Weep for Me 4:42
4.13 Bean and the Boys 5:11
4.14 Lady Bird 3:25
4.15 Stairway to the Stars 4:57