Legendary pianist and composer Horace Silver was influenced by a wide range of musical styles, notably gospel, African, and Latin American music. He also occasionally ventured into the soul jazz genre. Even if he had been working on and off for that label since 1952, Silver would record exclusively for Blue Note after 1956, eventually becoming close to the label's boss, Alfred Lion, who allowed him greater input on aspects of album production than was usual at the time. Silver's Blue, taped for the Epic label, was to be the last LP the pianist cut before signing that contract and his first as a leader after leaving Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. THE COMPLETE ALBUM + 1 BONUS TRACK -