Hitchcock and Bebop

The record, Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, JJ Johnson was recorded in 1949 and 1950 and features some jaw droppingly brilliant playing from my idol, Bud Powell.  Check out his two-chorus gem of a solo on Bluebird starting at 6:55.  Better yet, check out his playing on the entire record. (Full disclosure, John Lewis plays on the latter tracks but their playing is so different that it’s easy to tell them apart.)

Back when I was studying with Charlie Shoemake (1975-’78) this record was always on display in his studio –  I know he transcribed several Powell and Stitt solos from it.  Funny thing, though, I never really checked out the cover until yesterday.  It’s a bizarre image that is simultaneously humorous and frightening.  I admit that bebop was a revolution but this looks more like an out an out revolt!  It’s Hitchcockian.