I’ve been listening to a lot of music over the past few months but this one
has consistently found it’s way into my ears, CD player and iPod. From beginning to end this is trademark Horace Silver — funky jazz with tunes that will stick in your cranium long after you stop listening. Joining Horace on this endeavor is James Spaulding (alto saxophone, flute); Tyrone Washington (tenor saxophone); Woody Shaw (trumpet); Larry Ridley (bass); Roger Humphries (drums).

Woody Shaw is simply outstanding. His solos are well crafted and his technique is flawless. On “Grease Piece” he goes on a series of runs and acrobatics spurred on by Silver and the rhythm section. Shaw’s playing on this album really changed my concept of sound. I found myself REALLY listening to what he was doing from an improvisational and trumpet playing standpoint. For example – I love that touch of vibrato that he throws in on the end of some
phrases. Up till now – I’ve played everything straight with no vibrato (ala Miles). I may have to add that flavor to my playing in the future.

Most people mention Cape Verdean Blues as their favorite Shaw/Silver recording (and how could you NOT with Joe Henderson and J.J. Johnson joining them) but this is probably my favorite of the two. Still, I have played The Jody Grind WAY more than Verdean so perhaps I need to apply the same attention to the later.

More to come…