Horace Silver

• CLASSIC VINYL SERIES

• AUDIOPHILE REISSUES

• PRESSED ON 180 GRAM VINYL AT OPTIMAL

Recorded in November of 1956, Horace Silver's second album as leader for Blue Note marked an important turning point in the jazz pianist's career. After concentrating much of his efforts on co-leading the pioneering Jazz Messengers, with drummer Art Blakey, Silver — along with fellow Messengers Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd and Doug Watkins — left to form a new quintet, leaving Blakey to carry on the Messengers name.

While the music heard here is still firmly rooted in the hard bop territory that Silver himself was responsible for creating, it was during this period that Silver really fine-tuned his craft — as can be heard on for stand-out numbers like 'Señor Blues' — eventually making his style of piano playing one of the most emulated in jazz. With the exception of 'For Heaven's Sake,' this album is comprised solely of original compositions."

PERSONNEL:

• Doug Watkins - bass
• Louis Hayes - drums
• Horace Silver - piano
• Hank Mobley - tenor sax
• Donald Byrd - trumpet

Recorded on November 10, 1956

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1: Cool Eyes
• A2: Shirl
• A3: Camouflage
• A4: Enchantment

• SIDE B
• B1: Senor Blues
• B2: Virgo
• B3: For Heaven's Sake