Horace Silver - Jazz Has a Sense of Humor

Title: Jazz Has a Sense of Humor Artist: Horace Silver Release Date: 8/10/1999 Label: GRP Records Duration: 47:30 Album Type(s): lyrics/libretto UPCs: 011105029322, 0011105029322 Genre: Jazz Styles: Soul Jazz, Hard Bop, Jazz Instrument, Piano Jazz Moods: Amiable/Good-Natured, Cheerful, Earthy, Exuberant, Freewheeling, Fun, Humorous, Joyous, Organic, Playful, Sophisticated, Stylish, Bravado, Carefree, Dramatic, Earnest, Energetic, Gritty, Happy, Literate, Lively, Party/Celebratory, Passionate, Rousing, Searching, Slick, Street-Smart, Uplifting, Warm, Witty, Wry Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 1

1. Satisfaction Guaranteed
2. The Mama Suite, Pt. 1: Not Enough Mama
3. The Mama Suite, Pt. 2: Too Much Mama
4. The Mama Suite, Pt. 3: Just Right Mama
5. Philley Millie
6. Ah-Ma-Tell
7. I Love Annie's Fanny
8. Gloria
9. Where Do I Go from Here?

Year Type Label Catalog # 1999 CD GRP Records 293

No other editions were found for this album.

In this set of nine originals, the Horace Silver touch is clearly evident: happy, strong melodies; groovin' beats; Silver's deft, deliberate, bluesy piano comping and boppin' leads; and the joyful playing of saxophonist Jimmy Greene and trumpeter Ryan Kisor, which seems to be more intense in the context of Silver's unmistakable compositions. The CD's title is in reference to the album's content (and that the listener has to go along with Silver's adoration in a nonsexist way toward women). Some might be offended by the title "I Love Annie's Fanny," but it's just the name of a bouncy, mainstream jazz ditty that Silver is so well known for writing. There are some clichés that pop up in old Silver numbers that he seems to have rewritten. Phrases of "Cape Verdean Blues" creep into the urgent first movement of "The Mama Suite," and his typical groove waltz is extant in the opener "Satisfaction Guaranteed" and the closer "Where Do I Go From Here?" But his tunefully familiar, head-noddin' original funk is a vital as ever, and sounds pretty fresh compared to some of the trite neo-bop being reprocessed this past decade. Silver's light, spare, soulful style -- particularly when he uses his left hand in tandem with John Webber's bass -- is a sound for sore ears, one that has a universal, timeless appeal, crossing generational and commercial barriers. This is well-played music, a specialty Silver has envisioned and realized through the bulk of his career. Highly recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

Name Credits Al Schmitt Mixing Doug Sax Mastering Hollis King Art Direction Horace Silver Piano, Arranger, Producer Isabelle Wong Design Jim Anderson Engineer Jimmy Greene Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor) John Webber Bass Kaei Ishiara Artwork Marsha Black Production Coordination Peter de Séve Artwork Ryan Kisor Trumpet Theodora Kuslan Release Coordinator Tommy LiPuma Executive Producer Willie Jones III Drums