Album Info
| Artist: | The Horace Silver Quintet |
| Album: | The Tokyo Blues |
| Released: | France, 2017 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Too Much Sake | |
| Written-By - Silver | ||
| A2 | Sayanora Blues | |
| Written-By - Silver | ||
| B1 | The Tokyo Blues | |
| Written-By - Silver | ||
| B2 | Cherry Blossom | |
| Written-By - Ronnell Bright | ||
| B3 | Ah! So | |
| Written-By - Silver |
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Description
"The Tokyo Blues" is an album by The Horace Silver Quintet, released in 1962 on the Blue Note label. This album is a notable entry in the discography of Horace Silver, a pioneering figure in the development of hard bop, a subgenre of jazz that incorporates elements of rhythm and blues, gospel, and blues, especially in the piano and saxophone playing.
The album was recorded over two sessions on July 13 and July 14, 1962, at the Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The personnel on the album includes Horace Silver on piano, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Junior Cook on tenor saxophone, Gene Taylor on bass, and John Harris Jr. on drums. This lineup was a part of Silver's working band at the time and had developed a tight, cohesive sound that is evident throughout the album.
"The Tokyo Blues" was inspired by Silver's tour of Japan in 1962, and the compositions reflect his impressions and experiences from that trip. The album opens with the title track, "The Tokyo Blues," which features a catchy, bluesy melody that is both reflective and evocative of the Japanese influence. The piece is characterized by its relaxed tempo and the interplay between Silver's piano and the horns, creating a laid-back yet engaging atmosphere.
The second track, "Cherry Blossom," is a beautiful ballad that showcases Silver's lyrical piano playing and the sensitive accompaniment of the quintet. The piece is named after the iconic cherry blossoms of Japan, and its delicate, flowing melody captures the essence of these flowers in full bloom. Blue Mitchell's trumpet solo is particularly noteworthy for its emotional depth and expressive phrasing.
"Ah! So" is the third track on the album and is a more upbeat, swinging number. The composition features a catchy, repetitive riff that serves as the foundation for the solos. Junior Cook's tenor saxophone solo is a highlight, displaying his robust tone and inventive improvisation. The rhythm section of Taylor and Harris provides a solid, driving groove that propels the piece forward.
The fourth track, "Sayonara Blues," is another blues-inspired composition that reflects Silver's affinity for the genre. The piece has a relaxed, almost melancholic feel, with a memorable melody that lingers in the listener's mind. Silver's piano solo is both soulful and introspective, while Mitchell and Cook add their own distinctive voices to the mix.
The album closes with "The Tokyo Blues (Alternate Take)," which offers a different perspective on the opening track. This version features slight variations in the solos and phrasing, providing an interesting contrast to the original take. It serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, encapsulating the themes and moods explored throughout the record.
"The Tokyo Blues" is a testament to Horace Silver's ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive and compelling whole. The album's Japanese-inspired themes are seamlessly integrated with Silver's hard bop sensibilities, resulting in a unique and memorable listening experience. The performances by the quintet are uniformly excellent, with each member contributing their own distinctive voice to the overall sound.
In summary, "The Tokyo Blues" is a standout album in Horace Silver's discography and a fine example of hard bop at its best. The compositions are engaging and memorable, the performances are top-notch, and the album as a whole is a testament to Silver's creativity and musical vision. Whether you are a longtime fan of Horace Silver or new to his music, "The Tokyo Blues" is an album that is well worth exploring.
