Horace Silver Trio
While Horace Silver's piano work was a cornerstone of the '50s Blue Note sound, he was usually in units fronted by horns. This early '50s trio work, however, is some of the very best work by this hard-swinging legend. Art Blakey is at his most explosive here as well.  "Safari", "Opus De Funk," and the standard "How About You" are probably the most infectious playing of Silver's long and distinguished career, and the Blakey solo spot, "Nothing But the Soul," remains a high point in the great drummer's career. This is a truly indispensable collection for the jazz piano fan.--Skip Heller