Released 50 years ago
Silver 'n Wood
Horace Silver · 1976
47 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of hard bop rhythms and soulful melodies, showcasing intricate piano work against dynamic ensemble interplay.
Top tracks — play these first
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Part One / Keep On Gettin' Up Start here — This track sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and uplifting message, encapsulating Silver's signature blend of catchy motifs and improvisational flair.
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Part Four / Perserverance And Endurance — With its complex harmonies and driving rhythm section, this piece exemplifies Silver's ability to weave together themes of struggle and resilience through music.
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Part One / Motivation — This track showcases Silver's skillful piano playing and creative use of space, making it a standout example of his approach to thematic development within jazz.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's thematic structure and layered instrumentation create a compelling jazz experience.
What we noticed
- The album is structured into four distinct parts, each divided into two tracks that explore different themes and tempos.
- Each part features a gradual build-up of instrumentation, layering piano with brass and rhythm sections to create a dynamic soundscape.
- The final track concludes with a reflective tone, using softer dynamics and slower tempos to provide a sense of closure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression through themes
- reflective moments of growth
- motivational energy for tasks
- cathartic release through perseverance
Maybe skip if you
- seeks instant gratification
- prefers standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Silver's catalog that may not be widely recognized.
- Career context
- By the time 'Silver 'n Wood' was released in 1976, Horace Silver had established himself as a leading figure in jazz with a career spanning over two decades. This album marked his continued experimentation with form and structure following the success of earlier works like 'Song for My Father' and further demonstrated his commitment to blending jazz with elements of funk and soul.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Art Blakey· Thelonious Monk· McCoy Tyner
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Part Four / Perserverance And Endurance
The climactic ending shifts from a collective sound to individual solos that reflect personal journeys within the broader theme.
This structural choice highlights the importance of both unity and individuality in overcoming challenges, reinforcing the album's overarching message.
Tracklist
- 1 Part One / Keep On Gettin' Up Start here 5:29
- 2 Part Two / Slow Down 7:02
- 3 Part Three / Time And Effort 5:39
- 4 Part Four / Perserverance And Endurance 6:08
- 5 Part One / Motivation 4:54
- 6 Part Two / Activation 5:23
- 7 Part Three / Assimilation 5:19
- 8 Part Four / Creation 7:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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