Several early-'50s sessions were culled to produce this must-have collection of pianist
Horace Silver in a rare trio setting. Together with longtime partner
Art Blakey on drums and the likes of
Gene Ramey,
Curly Russell, and
Percy Heath on bass,
Silver masterfully swings through several of his most famous compositions and a few standards. Classic tunes like "Horoscope," "Quicksilver," "Ecaroh," and "Opus de Funk" are given superb readings here as
Silver and
Blakey display their legendary kinship.
Silver's powers of interpretation are in full stride as well, with great standards like "Thou Swell," "I Remember You," and "How About You" getting sparkling, fresh-sounding treatments. Also included in this set are two startling all-percussion jams from
Blakey and conga master
Sabu Martinez that foreshadow
Blakey's groundbreaking Orgy in Rhythm sessions a few years later. ~ Terry Vinyard