Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Massimo Colombo: Powell To The People

14

Massimo Colombo: Powell To The People

By

Sign in to view read count
Massimo Colombo: Powell To The People
Powell To The People could certainly be heard as a tribute to jazz pianist Bud Powell. It could just as easily be heard as an introduction to the legend's iconic music. It fulfills both categories with the emotion and virtuosity Powell exuded in his playing.

Powell pioneered a new era of post swing bebop during the 1940's. His revolutionary style was the forerunner to Red Garland, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Kelly, and the many other jazz pianists who embraced the sound.

Pianist Massimo Colombo, bassist Maurizio Quintavalle, and drummer Enzo Zirilli enthusiastically take on the challenge and pleasure of Powell's artistry in presenting several Powell classics. The members of this Italian trio all have impressive career resumes. They also have the chops.

Powell's 1956 release, Jazz Giant (Norgran Records), with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Max Roach, is well represented as they dive into "Strictly Confidential," "I'll Keep Loving You," and the classic "Celia." From Time Waits (Blue Note, 1958) drummer Zirilli nicely interprets Philly Joe Jones on "Buster Rides Again." Bassist Quintavalle explores the bass genius of Paul Chambers on "Crossing The Channel," "Cleopatra's Dream," and "Down With It," all from the 1959 outing The Scene Changes (Blue Note Records). The trio also offers up selections from Bud! (RCA, 1957), Piano Interpretations (Norgan Records, 1956) and The Genius of Bud Powell (Verve Records, 1956).

Pianist, composer, and arranger Colombo is a seasoned veteran having recorded his first record some 30 years ago. He has recorded on the international front with the likes of Billy Cobham, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, and Jeff Berlin. Here he channels Powell in nuance, style, power, and grace. His texture, feel, and melodic sensibilities are well placed and utilized in honoring the memory and the historic music of the amazing Bud Powell.

Track Listing

Crossing the Channel; Buster Rides Again; Hallucinations; Celia; Down with It; Blue Pearl; Willow Groove; I'll Keep Loving You; Cleopatra's Dream; Strictly Confidential; Crossing the Channel(Take 2).

Personnel

Massimo Colombo: piano; Maurizio Quintavalle: bass; Enzo Zirilli: drums.

Album information

Title: Powell To The People | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Jazzland DZ

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.