Customer Reviews

Horace Silver Trio, Vol. 1: Spotlight on Drums

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this set was one of mr. silver's early recordings for blue note records, a relationship that would last for nearly twenty years. the emphasis here is on hardbop, a new direction for jazz at the time. mr. silver could play the angular rhythms and speed of bebop, but added an r-n-b touch to make the music more accessible. this realy comes out in the sessions with a quintet, quartet, or what have you where the horns and piano create a gospel choir of swing. here, though, the focus is strictly on the piano. mr. silver has a deft touch and swings mercilessly. standout tracks are "quicksilver" (check out the quintet versions on art blakey's "a night at birdland" cds with clifford brown and lou donaldson), "ecaroh" and "opus de funk." each features mr. silver dancing along the keyboard and is sure to get your fingers snapping. art blakey and gene ramey provide superb support on drums and bass. now the gripe--for me the last two drum tracks are a distraction. why are they here? oh, well... this is still a stellar session. enjoy!

This is a good example of what early bop records sounded like--crisp and compact 3 minute sparks. Silver's piano playing is at the forefront, and he shines on numbers such as "Opus de Funk" and "Quicksilver." Blakey's drums thunder throughout, and the addition of Sabo Martinez on conga adds zesty flavour to "Message from Kenya" and "Safari" (my personal favourites due to their titles). Though Silver would make better music with his quintet and sextet, he is in very good form on this album.

I Really Respect Artists on Blue Note Records.and this is no exception.Horace Silver is a Great Artist&He has a Solid Touch On The Piano.Art Blakey is One Of The Baddest Cats Ever on Skins.The Music&Vibe here are Really Strong.Opus De Funk is The Cut.Very Essential.