Bud Powell's Moods is a studio album by jazz pianist Bud Powell, released in 1956 by Norgran, featuring sessions that Powell recorded in 1954 and 1955. The album was re-issued by Verve, and released as a CD replica by Verve (Japan) in 2006 (POCJ-2740). The sessions (with alternate takes) are also available on CD on The Complete Bud Powell on Verve (1994) box set.

History

The sessions on this album mark the beginning of a two-year period (from June 1954 to September 1956) when Powell recorded exclusively for Norman Granz at Fine Sound Studios in New York. The two Powell compositions, "Buttercup" and "Fantasy in Blue", are both up-tempo, in contrast to the generally mellow mood of the rest of the album. According to pianist Barry Harris, Powell did not select many of the tunes for the session, and he was unfamiliar with some of them, particularly "I Get a Kick out of You," at the time of recording.

Track listing 12" LP (MGN 1064, MGV 8154)

All songs were written by Bud Powell, except where noted.

Personnel

Performance

June 2, 1954, Fine Sound Studios, New York, side A tracks 1-4. June 4, 1954, Fine Sound Studios, New York, side A tracks 5-6 and side B tracks 1-2. January 12, 1955, Fine Sound Studios, New York, side B tracks 3-5.

Production

Release history

The two June 1954 sessions were originally released on a 10" LP called The Artistry of Bud Powell on Norgran in 1954.

The Artistry of Bud Powell 10" LP (MGN 23)