Blowin' the Blues Away is an album by jazz pianist Horace Silver, released on the Blue Note label in 1959, featuring performances by Silver with Blue Mitchell, Junior Cook, Eugene Taylor, and Louis Hayes.
Recording dates and location
The title track and "Baghdad Blues" were recorded on August 29, 1959; "The St. Vitus Dance" and "Melancholy Mood" were recorded on September 13, 1959; all other tracks were recorded on August 30, 1959, at the Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Reception
The Allmusic review by Steve Huey awarded the album 4½ stars and states: "Blowin' the Blues Away is one of Horace Silver's all-time Blue Note classics... one of Silver's finest albums, and it's virtually impossible to dislike." The ninth edition of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings places the album among its suggested "Core Collection" of essential recordings, saying that it exemplifies Silver's "virtues as pianist, composer and leader".
Track listing
All compositions by Horace Silver except as indicated.
Personnel
Blue Mitchell — trumpet except "The St. Vitus Dance" and "Melancholy Mood" Junior Cook — tenor saxophone except "The St. Vitus Dance" and "Melancholy Mood" Horace Silver — piano Eugene Taylor — bass Louis Hayes — drums