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Bud Powell

Day 75
#33 – Earl Rudolph ‘Bud’ Powell (1924–1966). American jazz pianist. Recordings include: The Amazing Bud Powell, Volume 1 (1951) with the composition ‘Un Poco Loco’, and Volume 2 (1953).

Powell was considered a brilliant jazz pianist but in 1945, in a possible racial incident, he was beaten by police and never really recovered. He suffered with headaches and mental breakdowns for the rest of his life. He spent time in a mental hospital several times during his life. And at one point was affected by drugs taken for the treatment of schizophrenia. To reflect this racial incident and mental issues, I split the page into black and white. Using a distressed typeface, on its side suggesting a face, looked powerful. 

1 hour

Listen...

to excerpts from ‘The Amazing Bud Powell’

 
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74. Thelonious Monk

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76. Dave Brubeck