When I mentioned to a few folks that I really dug Horace Silver’s The Jody
Grind, they immediately told me to be sure to check out Cape Verdean Blues. The funny thing is I had already purchased this album before Jody Grind and while I thought it was good — it wasn’t a CD that received frequently play. Upon revisiting, that time is over. Cape Verdean Blues and Jody Grind have been played more than any others in my music collection over the past few months.

The front line horn section includes Woody Shaw on trumpet, Joe Henderson on tenor and a guest appearance by J.J. Johnson on trombone for three selections. What more could you ask for?  The music is classic funky Silver but stretched and filled with exploration. The tune selection gives the horns an opportunity to show their stuff. Their solos are reflective, aggressive, energetic and plugged directly into spirit of the player. It is a true example of what we all strive for when we attempt improvisation. Break out a pen and pad… take some notes on this one.

Woody is brilliant as usual. I can’t say enough about the influence he has had on me over the past few months. I am probably repeating my comments from my Jody Grind review but his technique, tone, ideas and phrasing are absolutely astonishing.

Highly recommended.