It's Been So Long (1999)

About this title: One of the many frustrating ironies of jazz history has to do with Mel Powell. A superb swing pianist in the Earl "Fatha" Hines/Art Tatum/Teddy Wilson vein, Powell was at the height of his powers as a jazz improviser when, in the 1950s, he decided to retire from jazz and put his time and energy into classical music. Before making that decision, he recorded some inspired small-group swing dates for Vanguard in the early to mid-1950s. One of the CDs that illustrates the excellence of Powell's Vanguard output is It's Been So Long, which spans 1953-56 and contains selections from four of his ... read more

Tracks:

1. 'S Wonderful [Gershwin/Gershwin]
2. It's Been So Long
3. You're Lucky to Me [Blake/Razaf]
4. When Did You Leave Heaven?
5. Makin' Whoopee [Donaldson/Kahn]
6. Borderline
7. Quin and Sonic
8. Pennies from Heaven [Burke/Johnston]
9. Avalon [DeSylva/Jolson/Rose]
10. Stompin' at the Savoy [Goodman/Razaf/Samps]
11. Cross Your Heart
12. If Dreams Come True [Goodman/Mills/Samps]
13. Gone With the Wind
14. What's New? [Burke/Haggart]
15. Cooch
16. Bunny Hug

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.