Paris Blues is a live album by American jazz pianist and composer Horace Silver, recorded on October 6, 1962, and released by Pablo Records on November 12, 2002. It contains previously unreleased performances by Silver's quintet—saxophonist Junior Cook, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, bassist Gene Taylor, and drummer Roy Brooks—from an appearance at the Olympia Theater in Paris.
Reception
All About Jazz wrote, "this is hard bop reaching perfection, neither al dente nor over-cooked. All of the songs are lengthy Silver compositions. [...] Blue Mitchell and Junior Cook are in top form, blowing their potent mixture of smoky blues and pungent funk."
Alex Henderson of AllMusic stated, "Silver's quintet is in good form during an hourlong set that boasts extended performances [...]. All of the tunes last at least ten minutes, and "Sayonara Blues" lasts no less than 16 minutes − no one can claim that Silver and his sidemen don't have enough room to stretch out. Paris Blues isn't quite essential, but it's still an enjoyable hard bop CD that Silver's more devoted fans will welcome with open arms."
Track listing
Recorded at the Olympia Theater, Paris, France, on October 6, 1962
Personnel Musicians
Horace Silver − piano Junior Cook − tenor saxophone Blue Mitchell − trumpet Gene Taylor − bass Roy Brooks − drums
Technical
Norman Granz − producer Joe Tarantino − digital editing, mastering, transfers Bob Bernotas − liner notes Jamie Putnam − art direction Deb Sibony − design Jan Persson − photography
References