Bud Powell's two dates for RCA in 1956-1957 are better than expected. Although troubled,
Powell actually plays better on
Strictly Powell than on his Verve dates of the period. Backed by bassist
George Duvivier and drummer
Art Taylor, the pianist is heard in fine form during a program of mostly mid-tempo and slower performances, particularly on "There'll Never Be Another You," "Time Was," "They Didn't Believe Me" and five of his originals.
Bud Powell collectors already owning his classic Blue Note dates should give this music a listen. [There are no extra cuts on the LP-length CD reissued in 2004.]