I saw Grover W at the Village Gate right around the time "Inner City Blues" came out...He played with as much ferocity as any saxophonist Ive ever heard!!!!!
That event where he sustained what was likely a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that went largely untreated occurred while he was trying to defend Monk from police harassment during an after-hours “bust”. There are so, so many layers to that whole event and story….
If you read Francis Paudras’ book, you learn that he knew with certainty that if he left Bud in America he would die. He pleaded with everyone to have Powell return to France with him. It was agonizing for him, and a great loss for us.
Each Powell improv here is a unit of strong musical art, akin to an extended passage by a major composer. For this listener, it leaves a residue of 'quality statement' sensed right afterwards- a sign of artistic excellence. I'd recommend hearing it that way instead of focusing on details. Powell was consistent in conveying real emotional depth, which is why he never considered that 'he couldn't play anymore'.
I saw Grover W at the Village Gate right around the time "Inner City Blues" came out...He played with as much ferocity as any saxophonist Ive ever heard!!!!!
That event where he sustained what was likely a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that went largely untreated occurred while he was trying to defend Monk from police harassment during an after-hours “bust”. There are so, so many layers to that whole event and story….
Dig!🎹
If you read Francis Paudras’ book, you learn that he knew with certainty that if he left Bud in America he would die. He pleaded with everyone to have Powell return to France with him. It was agonizing for him, and a great loss for us.
Each Powell improv here is a unit of strong musical art, akin to an extended passage by a major composer. For this listener, it leaves a residue of 'quality statement' sensed right afterwards- a sign of artistic excellence. I'd recommend hearing it that way instead of focusing on details. Powell was consistent in conveying real emotional depth, which is why he never considered that 'he couldn't play anymore'.
Thanks for posting it.