For his V.S.O.P. release, veteran pianist
Claude Williamson performs six
Bud Powell compositions, plus six other standards that the innovative bop pianist enjoyed playing. With the assistance of bassist
Dave Carpenter and drummer Paul Kreibich,
Williamson displays both the
Powell influence and his own approach to bebop piano. The music always swings, has enough surprises to hold on to one's interest, and shows that
Claude Williamson (who has been somewhat underrated through the years) was still in prime form four decades after his initial recognition. Highlights of this easily recommended disc include "Hallucinations," "Bud's Bubble," "Parisian Thoroughfare," and "Bouncing With Bud." ~ Scott Yanow