Blues In The Closet

Bud Powell

The bop pioneer plays the blues

Bud Powell, who virtually invented bebop piano in the mid-1940s, was struggling a decade later.

The pianist had a renaissance in the friendly atmosphere overseas and for a few years was back to playing in prime form.

Powell and his group The Three Bosses (with bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Kenny Clarke) are captured playing a tasteful and swinging version of “Blues In The Closet” in 1959.


Bud Powell, piano
Pierre Michelot, bass
Kenny Clarke, drums

-Scott Yanow