The Horace Silver Quintet Plus J.J. Johnson "The Cape Verdean Blues" BLP 4220 VG+/VG Original

*The Cape Verdean Blues* (1965) by The Horace Silver Quintet, featuring trombonist J.J. Johnson, is a vibrant and soulful hard bop album that showcases Silver's unique blend of jazz with African and Latin influences. The title track, inspired by Silver's Cape Verdean heritage, features a lively, rhythmic groove and catchy melodies, blending traditional jazz with a subtle Afro-Latin feel. Johnson’s trombone adds a warm, brassy texture to the ensemble, complementing the quintet’s tight, blues-infused playing. Standout tracks like "The African Queen" and "Bonita" highlight Silver's distinctive compositional style, characterized by bluesy melodies, gospel harmonies, and infectious rhythms. This album is a rich exploration of cultural identity within a modern jazz framework, marking one of Silver's finest works.