Although known as one of the world's greatest pianists, Horace Silver's first
instrument was the tenor saxophone. Heavily influenced by saxophonist Lester
Young and pianist Bud Powell, Silver was discovered playing at a club in
Hartford, Connecticut where his trio backed Stan Getz on saxophone, who
subsequently took him on the road with him and recorded three of his
compositions.
Moving to New York, Silver got a weekly residency at the famous Birdland jazz
club, where he was signed by Blue Note Records and formed the Jazz Messengers
with Art Blakey. He also became a member o...