Jazz pianist, composer and innovator Horace Silver has passed away. Silver is recognized as a major pioneer of the jazz sub-genre known as hard bop, which is influenced by gospel and the blues (Watson, 2014).
Starting as a saxophonist in Connecticut, he was discovered by Stan Getz. He then moved to New York and switched to the instrument he would become celebrated for: the piano. He formed a trio and signed to Blue Note Records. Besides his solo career, Silver has also played with Miles Davis, Stan Getz and Lester Young. Yesterday morning, Silver passed away at the age of 85 from natural causes (Watson, 2014).
Horace Silver's Influence:
The opening of Steely Dan's big hit "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," is a nod to Silver's "Song For My Father." Jazz-Rap group Us3 who is played frequently on Jazz Essentials sampled "Song For My Father" on their infectious reggae inspired tune, "Eleven Long Years."
Contemporary bassist Christian McBride told NPR that he greatly admired Silver's style (Watson, 2014).
"Horace Silver's music has always represented what jazz musicians preach but don't necessarily practice, and that's simplicity," McBride said. "It sticks to the memory; it's very singable. It gets in your blood easily; you can comprehend it easily. It's very rooted, very soulful (Watson, 2014)."
On this Sunday Morning's show, 10 a.m.-12p.m. EDT on 101.5 the HAWK FM, http://www.1015thehawk.ca/, we will celebrate Horace Silver's legacy.
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