Taking up where volume one's '50s set left off, this second helping of
Horace Silver's Blue Note output takes in some of the pianist's prime work from 1964-1970. Starting with the venerable title track to his most popular release,
Song for My Father, the nine cuts include other cherry-picked treats off of
Cape Verdean Blues ("Nutville," "Pretty Eyes"),
The Jody Grind (the title track and "Mexican Hip Dance"), and
Serenade to a Soul Sister (title track). And with this much bounty from four of
Silver's best '60s albums, the inclusion of dark-horse gem "Gregory Is Here" from 1970s
In Pursuit of the 27th Man gives this roundup essential-introductory-disc status. Plus, the collection provides listeners the chance to check out some stellar soloing by the likes of
Joe Henderson,
Blue Mitchell,
Bennie Maupin, and
Woody Shaw. Get both volumes to better pick and choose the essential
Silver discs to check out in the future. ~ Stephen Cook