Powell was, in turn, influenced primarily by Thelonious Monk and Art Tatum. His virtuosity led many to call him the Charlie Parker of the piano, and Bill Cunliffe noted that he was "the first pianist to take Charlie Parker's language and adapt it" to the instrument, although this assessment has been criticized. Critics agree, however, that he was one of the few musicians on any instrument who could match Parker's musically complex approach to bop. His solos featured an attacking style similar to that of horn players, contained frequent arpeggios, and utilized much chromaticism. Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times noted his ability to rove "freely across harmonic borders" with "loping melodic lines". Other critics have taken a more complex approach, noting that Powell's style shifted significantly during his career, possibly connected to traumatic events in his personal life. According to critic Harvey Pekar, the most significant shift occurred in 1954, when his playing became "economical" and "fragmented" due to the influence of Monk.
Powell was, in turn, influenced primarily by Thelonious Monk and Art Tatum. His virtuosity led many to call him the Charlie Parker of the piano, and Bill Cunliffe noted that he was "the first pianist to take Charlie Parker's language and adapt it" to the instrument, although this assessment has been criticized. Critics agree, however, that he was one of the few musicians on any instrument who could match Parker's musically complex approach to bop. His solos featured an attacking style similar to that of horn players, contained frequent arpeggios, and utilized much chromaticism. Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times noted his ability to rove "freely across harmonic borders" with "loping melodic lines". Other critics have taken a more complex approach, noting that Powell's style shifted significantly during his career, possibly connected to traumatic events in his personal life According to critic Harvey Pekar, the most significant shift occurred in 1954, when his playing became "economical" and "fragmented" due to the influence of Monk.