Bud Powell: 1962 Copenhagen

In 1959, pianist Bud Powell moved from New York to Paris. The exact reason for the relocation isn't clear, though the likely explanations include the ability to play more frequently in a city of adoring fans and boost his income, a chance to relax and seek medical help for his depression and diagnosed schizophrenia, the ability to avoid physical run-ins with the police over his odd behavior, and to escape the crush of American racism. By early 1962, Powell was in Copenhagen, Denmark, playing at the newly opened Jazzhus Montmartre. Throughout the year, Powell bounced around northern Europe on tour.

Denmark's Steeple Chase label has recently issue 1962 Bud Powell, an album of previously unreleased recordings of Powell playing live in Copenhagen. Tracks 1 through 5 were recorded at Denmark Radio concert hall in March 25, 1962. Tracks 6 through 8 were recorded at Jazzhus Montmartre, in March 1962 and tracks 9 to 11 were recorded at Denmark Radio TV studio in August 1962, with tenor saxophonist Brew Moore on #9, tenor saxophonist Don Byas on #10 and the pair on #11. On all tracks, Powell was joined by Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen on bass and Jorn Elniff on drums.

The songs are Anthropology, Like Someone in Love, Straight No Chase, 'Round About Midnight, 52nd Street Theme, Blues in the Closet, Anthropology, Round About Midnight (with tenor saxophonists Brew Moore and Don Byas), Hackensack, I Remember Clifford and Anthropology.

While there are multiple versions of Anthropology and 'Round About Midnight, each is a fingerprint all its own. The album's sound is good, giving listeners ample space to hear Powell clearly. And if there's an unseen presence here, it would be Thelonious Monk. Powell first met Monk in about 1942 and Monk soon became Powell's mentor. Monk's song, In Walked Bud, was written in tribute to Powell. Some say it was for trying to stop the police from arresting Monk at New York's Savoy Ballroom in 1945. It's unclear whether Powell was struck in the head with a nightstick there, or in custody or at a Philadelphia train station. No matter, the injury is said to have been so severe that it wound up changing his life, health and career.

Throughout the new Powell album, you can hear him pay tribute to Monk, giving each song just the right amount of edge and pounce that were Monk hallmarks. What's also remarkable is how artists such as Parker, Monk and Powell gave their lives to the music, playing with every fiber in their being as their health deteriorated. Despite suffering from mental illness and self-medicating with alcohol, Powell remained a special talent up until his death in 1966.

JazzWax clip: Here's 'Round About Midnight...



Here's Straight No Chaser...



And here's the Bud Powell Trio in Copenhagen in 1962...