Upbeat cleverness.
12/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While I'm not a fan of "Hard Bop", this disc is so twisted and thrilling I can't stop listening to it. Each flash-in-the-pan chart harbors a simple but catchy melody. There is no self-conscious jazz on this album. It's all fun and frolicking. "Ah-ma-Tell" is my favorite tune."
Not Quite your Father's Silver
01/03/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The title does tell the story for this generally enjoyable and upbeat CD. Horace Silver made his reputaion as a great composer and most of the new songs put forth are of toe tapping appeal, abeit with some contemporary smoothing of the edges. The improvizations by the new comers are generally inspiring. However, the solos by trumpeter Ryan Kisor sound anemic and boring sometimes, especially if you compared him to Silver's classic quintet trumpeter, Blue Mitchell. And if you put a side the humorous theme of the album, you will find the CD doesn't quite compare to the better works of the classic Silver quintet. The upbeat Silver classic "Blowin'the Blues Away" is an album that's even more enthusiastic and inspiring. Horace Silver is one of my favorite jazz composers and leaders of all time, and this CD continues his legacy in a familiar and toe tapping fashion. But if you are new to Silver's music you may want to experience his classics first."
Oooooh... nothin' better
augmentedfourth | San Diego, CA | 09/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This fantastic romp through the complex mind of jazzman Horace Silver will leave you wanting more. It is without a doubt my favorite CD in my whole collection.Get it! It's worth every penny!"