March 7, 2019
This CD reissue has pianist Horace Silver’s first sessions as a leader, trios with drummer Art Blakey and either Gene Ramey, Curly Russell or Percy Heath on bass. Silver already had his funky style pretty well together by 1952 (two years after being discovered by Stan Getz), and the program is most notable for introducing his compositions “Ecaroh” and “Opus De Funk.” In addition, there are two percussion features: a drum solo by Blakey on “Nothing But Soul” and “Message From Kenya,” a duet by the drummer with the percussion and vocals of Sabu Martinez. ~ Scott Yanow
