Benny Powell
Born in New Orleans, Powell is, perhaps, best known for his 12-year tenure (1951-63) with Count Basie, and for his eight-bar contribution to the Count's all-time big hit, “April in Paris.” But more than that, Powell, in his all-too-rare solos with the Basie band, displayed a blues-laced, story-telling approach to improvisation. Check out, for instance, his masterfully balanced two-chorus statement on “Blues Backstage” from 1954, or “In a Mellotone,” recorded in a live performance five years later.
After leaving Basie, Powell embarked upon a rich, diverse musical career. A versatile and accomplished player, he has worked extensively on Broadway, television, and on numerous recordings.
During the 1960s and '70s, Powell graced the trombone sections of Duke Pearson's fine New York big band and the renowned Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. (His four-chorus solo on Jones'”Fingers” is a master class in modern jazz trombone improvisation.) He also began-and continues-to make his name as a leader in his own right, a respected teacher, and a dedicated activist in the cause of rights for jazz artists.
After a decade in Hollywood, where he worked on The Merv Griffin Show, Powell returned to New York in the early 1980s and connected with two visionary instrumentalist-composers, the late clarinetist John Carter and pianist Randy Weston, with whom he performed for over 30 years.
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Album Reviews
- Nextep by Andrew Velez
Interviews
Album Reviews
- Nextep by Dan McClenaghan
July 04, 2010
Benny Powell, Count Basie Trombonist, Dies at 80
July 01, 2010
Benny Powell Memorial Service Info
June 30, 2010
June 29, 2010
February 09, 2010
The Sarah Hayes Trio Featuring Benny Powell Perform at Piano Due...
February 04, 2010
The Jazz Session #140: Ben Powell
May 25, 2009
Jazz Pioneer Set to Forge 1st Jazz Twitter Nation!
May 13, 2009
Benny Powell to Battle the Bones for Frankie Manning Birthday...
May 08, 2009
Jazz Great Benny Powell is Now on Twitter!
December 03, 2008
--Makin' Music NY
Last year, jazz writer Andrew Velez & Benny gave us permission to reprint a great article entitled, “Benny Powell: Trombone Titan.”
http://www.makinmusicny.com/profiles/blogs/benny-powell-trombone-titan.
Additionally, here are links to a few articles written about Benny by jazz writer Bob Bernotas:
http://www.trombone.org/articles/library/bennypowell-int.asp
http://www.trombone.org/articles/library/viewarticles.asp?ArtID=96
“Benny Powell's playing has always had a flowing coherence” --Nat Hentoff
“Be assured [NEXTEP] is no trip down nostalgia lane
Photos
Albums by Benny Powell
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