Marlin McKay &
Mike Kubicki Quintet
The Music of Horace Silver
Sat. July 19xxxxxxxx$25

Kubick&McKay

Pianist/composer Horace Silver is possibly among the three most iconic song writers in jazz, the other two being Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. Well, maybe add Tad Dameron and Benny Golson to that list too. Silver’s tenure as The Jazz Messenger’s first pianist produced a wealth of hard bop tunes such as his “Quicksilver” - a rip-roaring flag waver that Blakey’s group kept in their book for many years. Horace also pioneered the funky, bluesy approach to jazz playing and writing 10 years before it was a genre. The evidence of gospel influence is also unmistakable throughout his career as in “The Preacher”. His two most well known tunes “Song For My Father” and “Nica’s Dream” show a recurring affinity for employing minor keys and have become jam session favorites.

Horace’s later writing is more adventurous harmonically. His composition “Silver’s Serenade” is emblematic of sparse tight arranging and simplicity that also allows ample freedom for improvisation. The series of records he produced called “Silver ans Brass, Silver and Voices” etc. are out-of-print classics that are notable also for introducing trumpeter Tom Harrell.

Horace Silver’s music couldn’t get two more dedicated presenters than Mike Kubicki and Marlin McKay.

Kubicki - known to have be-bop coursing through his veins via his study of masters Bud Powell and Barry Harris - is a sympathetic ear - and grounding - for the dozens of Silver’s tunes McKay has arranged for small group. Mike’s flowing lyrical solo piano lines are matched only by his deft application of jazz rhythms as an important section-mate.

Marlin McKay has the fire in the belly of an artist that is going somewhere in a hurry. Citing many trumpet influences, his favorites seem to be those who are known for their beautiful tone and graceful poetic melodies - Art Farmer and the above mentioned Tom Harrell. Marlin’s arranging breathes fresh life into classic tunes by one of America’s premier jazz writers - Horace Silver.