He didn’t even live to see 30 years old, so it’s easy to not know too much about Wade Legge, who played piano with Dizzy Gillespie’s band in the early 50s, and recorded only when he had an off night during a European tour. He has an allegiance to Bud Powell, but his feel is a bit more inquisitive, teaming up with Diz’s team of Lou Hacney /b and Al Jones for some exciting originals such as “Play, Legge, Play” as well as going smooth and silky on”I Only Have Eyes For You” and ”Dear Old Stockholm.” Baritone sax legend Lars Gullin joins in for a couple fantastic pieces, a jump off of the “All The Things You Are” chords and a be bopping read of “The Squirrel.”
He’s also featured as a sideman for vibist Joe Roland in October of 1954 with a bouncy “Gene’s Stew” and is deep in the pocket during “”Bradleys’ Beans” with Bill Bradley’s group which also included JR Monterose/ts and Doug Watkins/b. If you’re a Bud Powell fan, you’ll find lots to like here.
Fresh Sound Records