Every once in a while, a fan does his compatriots a huge
favor. That's the
case of Carl Smith with "Bouncing with Bud."
With great thoroughness and a loving touch, Smith has put
together a book
that is hugely valuable both to long-time Powell fans and newcomers to
the
bebop pioneer's work. The book is very well done -- clearly-written and
expertly organized.
From hard-to-find European pressings to the recent career
compilations on
Blue Note and Verve, Smith guides us informatively through Powell's
entire
output.
The book is illustrated with performance photos and
reproductions from
album covers. It also includes a biographical portrait of Powell by Mark
Gardner, which first appeared in the Mosaic Records collection of the
pianist's complete Blue Note recordings.
Smith also provides a brief chapter in which he makes the
case that
Powell's much-criticized later recordings have been unfairly dismissed.
And the book concludes with an appendix of quotes and anecdotes about
Powell from various jazz figures.