Silver Wood Coven by Hazel Hunter

For a brief time, tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan and trumpeter Art Farmer were the frontline of the Horace Silver Quintet. This CD reissue finds the group (which also includes bassist Teddy Kotick and drummer Louis Hayes) performing five of Silver's lesser-known originals and the standard "Ill Wind." The lyrical Farmer and the up-and-coming Jordan have plenty of fine solos, as does the influential Silver, whose funky, witty style stood apart from the prevailing Bud Powell influence of the era. Although none of the newer songs caught on as standards, this set (which has plenty of mood and groove variation) holds together very well and still sounds fresh 50 years later.

Here are ten tracks showcasing the utter beauty of Horace Silver's playing - and in some cases, composing - jazz ballads. These tunes are lushly romantic and utterly soulful. Recorded between 1952 and 1968, this collection features such notable Silver compositions as "Peace," "Shirl," "Sweet Stuff," "Lonely Woman," and the gorgeous "Next Time I Fall in Love." The rest is choice as well - especially for a budget-priced set - and includes Silver's read of Duke Ellington's masterpiece "Prelude to a Kiss," accompanied by Art Blakey and Curly Russell from 1952, and Guy Wood and Robert Mellin's "My One and Only Love," with Art Farmer, Hank Mobley, Louis Hayes, and Teddy Kotick. This isn't the funky, soul-jazzin' Silver, but the romantic, poetic balladeer whispering to lovers.