Many artists have covered pianist
Horace Silver's compositions, but few have approached them with a freshness like multi-reed player
Greg Abate. Accompanied by trumpeter
Claudio Roditi, pianist
Hilton Ruiz (on one of his last recording sessions prior to his mysterious death in 2006), bassist
Marshall Wood, and drummer
Artie Cabral,
Abate reharmonized each of the pieces and gave them a new sound while retaining the essence of the original works. "Song for My Father" is a perfect example, with the leader's rich tenor blending with
Roditi's mellow trumpet and a less pronounced rhythm.
Abate is on alto for "Nica's Dream," which has a more breezy air, almost seeming to float over its hard bop inner soul.
Wood's brooding bass introduces "Peace," with
Abate's mournful soprano sax beautifully backed by
Ruiz's almost reverent piano.
Abate also penned two solid tribute to
Silver, the hip "Horace Is Here" and the turbulent "On the Road."
Greg Abate's salute to
Horace Silver will please fans of the hard bop giant's music. ~ Ken Dryden