**** Horace Silver Corner ****

[Finger Poppin']

What do you consider his best session?
For me, it is a tie between thess three, The Stylings of Silver and The Joy Grid and Song for my Father.

[Soul Stream]

I can't believe "Finger Poppin'" isn't one of your favorites!;)

Mine are...

1.Finger Poppin'
2.Blowin The Blues Away
3.Song For My Father.....

On the "Finger Poppin'" tip, isn't "Cookin' at the Continental" one of the baddest blues heads ever. Also ever notice that Albert King ripped it off note for note as the head/intro to his version of "Natural Ball."

[walkin]

Song For My Father is the best

Blowin The Blues Away a close second

[Finger Poppin']

It is one of the best blues tunes of all time. Finger Poppin' would forth on my list.

Now that Horace Silver is semi retired he may not record again. I believe he has a bad case of athirst. A shame to lose your art when your witts are still there.

[Jim Dye]

I can't tell you what his best session is, but here are my 3 favorites in no particular order:


Horace Silver Trio
The Tokyo Blues
Six Pieces Of Silver

[STAN TRACEY]

I was very pleased to meet Horace at Ronnie Scotts club back in the 80's nice guy, did a request, a true gent, got a signed cd, my favourite session the first i ever bought "Blowin The Blues Away" Peace is such a wonderful track!

[reg]

3 of my favourites
tokyo blues
paris blues ( if you have not got this, you need to buy it straight away)
silver's serenade
1962/1963 - the quintet at it's best, for me :)

[tipitina]

Just picked up The Jody Grind and its underrated. I think its up there with "Blowin" and "Song". Plus the cover is priceless.

Paris Blues is next. Glad to see the positive review.:cool:

[David H]

I'd go for Stylings of Silver, closely followed by Songs For My Father.

[riverrat]

Another vote for Tokyo Blues. I also like Silver's Serenade a lot.

[Brad]

Tokyo Blues for me. Paris Blues is quite good.

[DustyFoot]

Mine would be:

Song for My Father
Blowin the Blues Away
Stylings of Silver

[Harold_Z]

Horace made SO many great records...it's hard to narrow it down, but the Horace record that gets the most play on my system is "The Jody Grind".

[saintvitus]

Every Silver record is worth listening to ... but my Top 5 would be:

Horace Silver And the Jazz Messengers
Further Explorations
Finger Poppin'
Song For My Father
The Cape Verdean Blues

[Of course, I didn't include the Messengers sessions in my consideration because Blakey is the nominal leader on those.]

[clifton]

Finger Poppin' is my favorite but I also play The Hardbop Grandpop quite a lot. Michael Brecker always sounds amazing with Horace.

[Harold_Z]

Question: The Columbia JAZZ MESSENGERS cd, the one with Nica's dream. Am I remembering wrong or was the original lp release under Horace's name?

[Dan Gould]

I agree with st. vitus, all Horace albums are worth hearing, but my absolute favs would have to be

Stylings of Silver
Blowin The Blues Away
the original Messengers LP, the one with The Preacher.

[brownie]

- The original Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers
- Further Explorations
- Doin' the Thing at the Village Gate (nothing better than Horace Silver live!)

and a lot of other great albums

[DustyFoot]

Regarding Harold_Z's question about the '56 Columbia release, I believe it was always known as just The Jazz Messengers. The initial Blue Note recordings, I believe, were credited to Horace Silver & The Jazz Messengers, until he and Blakey split and Blakey retained the name (although now I am confusing myself - what about the Cafe Bohemia live shows recorded by Blue Note? Both Silver and Blakey appear on those and they are credited to Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers -- maybe they were actually released after the 'split' ?)

If we are expanding this to include Silver's contributions to bands other than his own, then I would say without a doubt that the Messengers' 1956 recording of Nica's Dream is my all-time favorite Silver (or even, jazz) recording of all time.

Now a question of my own: who is familiar with 'Silver's Blue', the album Silver recorded between his split with Blakey and his first 'solo' Blue Note (Six Pieces of Silver)? I had always thought Six Pieces was his first post-Messengers quintet outing but a year or two ago I learned 'Silver's Blue' actually came first. I have seen it pop up on eBay a few times but have never been able to nab it.

[Dan Gould]

Are you looking for the vinyl only? I believe Silver's Blue came out on a French label, in very nice sound, fairly recently. I'd think it wouldn't be too hard to track down.

[brownie]

Originally posted by Dan Gould
Are you looking for the vinyl only? I believe Silver's Blue came out on a French label, in very nice sound, fairly recently. I'd think it wouldn't be too hard to track down.

Dan, doubt that the LP reissue is Made in France. I have seen it around but my guess was that the reissue originated from the States as were a number of other Epic vinyl reissues (the Curtis Fuller, Dave Bailey albums among others).

Saw the Silver Blue LP in NYK stores when I visited there last Autumn.

[DustyFoot]

Thanks Dan and Brownie, for the info re: Silver's Blue.

These days I am looking primarily for CDs, since my turntable is decrepit and my budget will not allow for an upgrade in the near future (the recent DVD player purchase put it on hold a bit longer). I have seen both CD and vinyl versions on eBay but I have so far not been able to outbid the other bidders :(

Where I live in eastern Canada, it is difficult to physically locate some of this stuff, which would probably be quite easy to do in NYC or even a larger Canadian city. I am left to the devices of the on-line world to provide me with the opportunity to collect some of the gems I am seeking. I have been successful too, having picked up a few semi-rarities like Pete La Roca's 'Basra' and Ellington's "Piano in the Foreground" (still looking for Kenny Dorham's 'Trompeta Toccata' though ...)

Can anyone attest to the performace quality of the Silver's Blue session? I am interested because since all the players between the '56 Columbia Messengers session and Six Pieces of Silver are the same (substitute Blakey for Louis Hayes) I had always seen this as a seamless transition from one band to the other. I was very intrigued when I learned of this in-between session.

Thanks ... sorry for burning up so much space on this!

[reg]

Originally posted by DustyFoot
Can anyone attest to the performace quality of the Silver's Blue session? I am interested because since all the players between the '56 Columbia Messengers session and Six Pieces of Silver are the same (substitute Blakey for Louis Hayes) I had always seen this as a seamless transition from one band to the other. I was very intrigued when I learned of this in-between session.

i like Silver's Blue. nice playing by everyone, especially horace and hank mobley. if you liked the recently re-released donald byrd/ doug watkins - transition sessions 2CD you'll like this i think :)

[Dan Gould]

Dusty,
Through careless trading (an occupational hazard of having too darn big a collection), I ended up with an extra copy of Silver's Blue, I'd be happy to send it on to you. You can e-mail direct if you wish (dangould@hotmail.com) or PM me.

[saintvitus]

DustyFoot,

The performance quality on Silver's Blue is high enough, but then again I could say that about everything in the Silver discography ... and it's unique in that other people's compositions dominate the program. George Avakian I believe wanted a half of the program to be filled with standards and Silver in an interview (Jazz Improv) cited this as the reason he left Epic after the Messengers contract ran out and returned to Alfred Lion's outfit.

Furthermore, the collective nature of the band (since this was the Messengers minus Blakey) meant Hank Mobley could contribute to the band's setlist. Once Byrd, Mobley and Watkins left, Silver assumed the position as the band's sole composer. These circumstances always add to the enjoyment of the recording, don't you think?

By the way, if you want to get a CD copy, you should order from Tower and get the Japanese release. It's on sale (50%) so you won't have to pay much.

Silver's Blue (http://www.towerrecords.com/product.asp?pfid=1712182&cc=USD)

[DustyFoot]

Wow ... thanks folks, for the offers, suggestions and information. I will take them all under consideration. I appreciate the responses.

I haven't heard the Byrd/Watkins sessions, but I like just about everything this collective (Byrd, Mobley, Silver, Dorham, et al) released in this timeframe either together or separately, so I guess I kind of assumed I would at least find the Silver's Blue session at the very least a grade above 'tolerable' ! ;)

To echo saintvitus, I too can't think of a bad Silver recording, really. I even like In Pursuit of the 27th Man which is a bit of a departure for Silver -- electric bass, vibes, etc. Perhaps a bit too heavy on the vibes and a bit light on the ivories, but still a quality recording worthy of Silver.

[David H]

I'd heard Horace was ill, but I did not realise that how ill he was until now; semi-retired it is a great shame, I hope it is a comfortable retirement and not a poverty stricken one as you here in some cases. The last time he was in London was back in about '95 (though I might be a year or two out) I missed the concert and have regretted it ever since. Now it looks like there will not be another opportunity to see him. Has anyone been luck enough to see Horace perform live? If so, who was playing with him in his band?

[Tanager]

I like to go back all the way to the Art Blakey 5tet A Night at Birdland disks...I know Horace wasn't the leader, but most of the compositions where his, and his playing is considerably more muscular (especially his solos) than after he and Blakey split up (to my ears, at least).

Among his disks as a leader, I agree tough to name a "best", but I like to spin Six Pieces of Silver a lot. You really have a hard time choosing anything bad from his disco, IMHO.

[Finger Poppin']

I've seen Horace live in NYC a few times. He was such a performer. I even got to speek to him once. Real down to earth guy. I remember he talk after his set on how the public needs to support the live Jazz scene.

[BruceH]

How about favorite Horace Silver track (if we want to be really absurd)? Mine would be............"Too Much Sake" from The Tokyo Blues album.
Favorite albums: the above-mentioned Tokyo Blues, Fingerpoppin'; aaaaaaaaand......Bowin the Blues Away I guess, though it really is impossible to choose.

[DustyFoot]

Bruce ... a single track?! That is absurd!

How about a Top 5? I MIGHT be able to narrow it down that far, but it would still be a stretch:

Nica's Dream
Song For My Father
Senor Blues
Calcutta Cutie
St. Vitus Dance (interchangeable with any track on Blowin' the Blues Away ... ):rolleyes:

[reg]

to pick just one track is very hard but mine would have to be Que Pasa? (trio version). in fact this is one of my favourites by anyone. a classic.

[Finger Poppin']

All his tunes are great. It would be so hard to pick just 1 tune.

[Brad]

Dusty,

I think dustygroove had this a while ago. Don't know if they still do. If that doesn't work, you might try hiroshi tanno at earlyrecord.com . He can usually find quite a bit.

There was a very nice review of Paris Blues in the latest JT. The reviewer said that that edition of Horace doesn't get enough attention as one of the great bands of that era and I'd agree. Hell of a front line.

A great cd that had a lot of those musician is Junior Cook's Junior's Cookin! One of my favorite cds. Should be easily had since it's on ojc.

[Finger Poppin']

Through Horace Silver, this is how I first stumbled upon a great trumpet play, Carmell Jones. But I always liked Blue Mitchell's playing on Silver's dates. Horace always seemed to get Blue to swing with the best.

[Al Rearick]

Don't know if it's anyone else's favorite, but I've had a soft spot for "In Pursuit of the 27th Man" since I got the RVG last year. The tracks with vibes are worth the price of admission alone, but the Brecker Bros. sure do tear things up on their tracks as well.

[reg]

Originally posted by Al Rearick
Don't know if it's anyone else's favorite, but I've had a soft spot for "In Pursuit of the 27th Man" since I got the RVG last year. The tracks with vibes are worth the price of admission alone, but the Brecker Bros. sure do tear things up on their tracks as well.

i think "kathy" is a great song, lovely vibes on it.

[DustyFoot]

Brad;

Thanks for the suggestions, but I've been able to locate a copy already! It's good to know there are so many people on the board who can direct you to exactly where you want to go, though!

[DustyFoot]

Al;

I share your opinion of Pursuit of the 27th Man. I stated in an earlier post that I like 27th Man although I thought it too "heavy on the vibes" and "light on the keyboards". I sure didn't mean it as a slight, just my way of saying that I prefer to hear more Horace on Horace recordings! However, 27th Man has a very nice feel to it overall, very well produced and composed as per Silver's usual high standards, and not at all like something you would expect to hear circa 1972 (or '73, not sure). I really like 'Kathy' and 'Liberated Brother'.

Not that it matters in the overall scheme of things, but I suspect this album is unique in the RVG reissue series -- not only is it the most recent recording, but I believe the sole session with electric bass. Anyone know if I'm correct on this?

[BruceH]

Originally posted by Finger Poppin'
All his tunes are great. It would be so hard to pick just 1 tune.

Amen to that. But there's something almost hypnotic (to me) about "Too Much Sake." No doubt I'll continue to play it too much and the feeling will wear off in due course.

[Finger Poppin']

I hope Total Response and That Healin' Feelin' and You gotta take a little love will get released on CD soon. We need more Horace Silver.
Hey Tom, Can you ask Michael if these are going to come out soon? :D

[BruceH]

And how about "Serenade To A Soul Sister"? I can't find that anywhere.

[BruceH]

Originally posted by Tanager
I like to go back all the way to the Art Blakey 5tet A Night at Birdland disks...I know Horace wasn't the leader, but most of the compositions where his

I hear you! Those things are great-----should be in every library across the country.

[kh1958]

I was fortunate to see Horace Silver at the Caravan of Dreams in the mid-1980s, with three different bands--a total of nine sets.

The first time, he had Ralph Moore and Brian Lynch. It was awesome, one of my all time favorite concerts--all four sets I saw on consecutive nights were great. Silver was playing with such intensity.

The next year he returned with a similar band--but for some reason it just wasn't at the same level, good but not great. Nonetheless, on the memory of the prior year I returned a second night, and then, the last set on Saturday night, the music came together again and was just as great.

He returned about a year later, but with a vocalist and was playing short solos, focusing mostly on vocal music. I was disappointed, comparatively speaking.

I did buy a very fine LP from Mr. Silver himself, who had his own label at the time--called Spiritualizing the Senses, with Eddie Harris, Ralph Moore and Bobby Shue. I don't think this is ever made it to CD, but it is definitely a good one if you can find it.

[clifton]

Don't forget about Horace Silver. Those albums will make us feel good forever.

[Noj]

I buy Horace Silver's Blue Note albums several at once with the confidence that the musicians on those sessions could do no wrong during that time. Incredible music.

[jazzman21]

I'd have to go with the United States of Mind Set (That Healin' Feelin', Total Response, All) for the simple fact that i'm a big fan of this kind of spiritual uplifting kind of music. Some tunes on the records like Happy Medium, I've had a little talk, won't you open up your senses, soul searchin', all & old mother nature calls are very nice and will like Horace says "Will bring a little joy, happiness & love to us all". Anybody else digs these albums?

[clifton]

Some of this thread got crunched by the Crash Of '03. I eagerly await the return of the archive.

[catesta]

http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/cov200/drc000/c035/c035460ms1m.jpg :smokin: