Search - Horace Silver :: Finger Poppin

Finger Poppin' still retains it's timeless quality

M. Cryer | Denver, CO United States | 03/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One reviewer wrote that Horace is often dismissed for his simplistic style. I think the simple tunes are harder to write and if those tunes are still awesome and fresh sounding 50 years after they were recorded you have a rare gem on your hands.



Finger Poppin' is that kind of album. I think the reasons it's still popular and memorable among jazz collectors is because it's easy to get into and even easier to enjoy.



Juicy Lucy is probably the best known track on the album and it is a personal favorite of mine. It's not a blues but it's a tune who's chord progressions are based upon Charlie Parker's tune confirmation (Such tunes are called 'heads'). Be sure to listen for some awesome solos here.



Swingin' The Samba is a very nice tune with a latin groove that'll get you moving. The ending unison phrase at the end is worth listening for.



You Happened My Way is a beautiful ballad expertly performed by Blue Mitchell and listen for Junior Cook's smoking solo in this tune.



Another reviewer stated that Blue's solos sounded worked out in advance. Often in sessions many artists will write out their solos(or at least some main themes or ideas). There's nothing wrong with this especially considering the fact that you'll have to hear it forever once the record is cut.



Blue Note artists tended to practice harder for their sessions which explains why they have a highly polished sound to them. Finger Poppin' is an excellent album that is a blue note classic which I hope that you will enjoy. I highly recommend you also check out Horace's other albums with this quintet such as Blowin' The Blues Away, Paris Blues and The Jody Grind among others."