Search - Horace Silver :: Serenade to a Soul Sister

Very consistent funky bluesy Silver

Edward M. Green | Ann Arbor, MI | 07/31/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Horace Silver is definately a pioneer in the soul jazz realm. He's a very subtle composer with a gift for simple melody and tight grooves.



Psychedelic Sally is by far the most gutbucket bluesy funk track. It's got the fender bass and the funky drums.



Other tracks show fairly staight ahead and soulful playing on various waltzes and rhythmic patterns. Jungle Juice is particularly unique with a very catchy bass line/drum pattern throughout the song.



The horns on these tracks are flawless. Listen to how tight Stanley Turrentine is on those changes on Psychedelic Sally. Bernie Maupin is a nice contrast with his less bluesy approach. Charles Tolliver has a nice rhythmic way of playing that is a perfect compliment to Horace Silver's sound. You have great jazz drumming (Cobham is one of them) and bass playing on this too.



I love Horace Silver for his simplicity and groove. You don't need to be a jazz player to feel this music. I feel it's more consistent throughout than even Song for My Father."

Sexy Soul Jazz Funk Serenade

Scott Williams | Oakland, CA United States | 08/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Overview:

Serenade to a Soul Sister is the last of classic Horace Silver blue note albums of the 60s. It represents the farthest Horace went into funky seductive jazz soul funk. Serendade is insanely catchy and features blazing performances by Silver on piano, Stanley Turrentine on tenor sax, Charles Tolliver on trumpet, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Mickey Roker on drums. All songs on the album are written by Silver and they are as some of his most cleverly crafted compositions.



Song Highlights:

Psychedelic Sally - Instantly accessible, extremely catchy. Features creative piano and horn lines. Reminiscent of songs from Cape Verdean blues. Classic Silver Soul Jazz.



Serenade to a Soul Sister - Another catchy burner. Great solos, great composition. Another funky soul jazz classic.



Jungle Juice - A realy nice bass line is the centerpiece here. There is a light tropical feel, but not too tropical. Once again similar in style to Cape Verdean blues. Very seductive.



Anyone who is a fan of the work Silver did in the 60's needs to add this to their collection. It is very much along the lines of "Song for may Father" and "Cape Verdean Blues". The addition of fellow soul jazz legend Stanley Turrentine makes this album a classic."