Mel Powell - Return of Mel Powell (1987 Chiaroscuro) with Benny Carter

Mel Powell (piano); Benny Carter (saxophone); Howard Alden (guitar); Milt Hinton (bass); Louie Bellson (drums).

Recorded during the 1987 Floating Jazz Festival aboard the S/S Norway, between St. Thomas and Puerto Rico.

1. Stomping at the Savoy
2. I Can't Get Started
3. Oh, Lady Be Good
4. What Is This Thing Called Love
5. Out of Nowhere
6. 'S Wonderful
7. Jazzspeak

Review by Scott Yanow

The first jazz recording by pianist Mel Powell since 1955 (in the interim he gained a strong reputation as a modern classical composer), this CD also signalled the rebirth of Hank O'Neal's Chiaroscuro label in 1989. Recorded at the Floating Jazz Festival aboard the S.S. Norway, the set features Powell with altoist Benny Carter, guitarist Howard Alden, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Louie Bellson performing six standard swing-era songs. Amazingly Powell, who had rarely played jazz or much piano during the previous three decades, sounds in near-prime form and the music is quite delightful. This CD concludes with a 20-minute Jazzspeak in which Powell discusses his life and his earlier decision to leave jazz.