In regard to "Senor Blues", when I said *he expands this tune on this date, like nowhere else,****; I was referring to his piano solo beginning at 4:10, and going all the way to the end, when he was backing Blue Mitchell. The one at Newport wasn't as clear, there was noticeable distortion.
On the "Senor Blues" I pasted, I liked Junior Cook's and Blue Mitchell's solo's much better; as well as Mr. Silver's piano where he got into a special groove beginning at 4:10, all the way to the end where he was backing Blue Mitchell. Notice at 9:11 where he digs in and hammers the piano like a drummer.
Before, I couldn't decide, but now I've decided, and I definitely like the "Nica's Dream" on the "Jazz Messengers" better. Silver was on piano, on both LP's; but Blakey's was "languid" meaning slow and relaxed; this was due to the slower pace, and I most certainly liked Donald Byrd's and Hank Mobley's solos better on that "Nica's Dream".
The interesting fact is, the composer was on both versions; he just decided to play slower with the "Jazz Messengers".
In regard to "Song For My Father", I didn't know we were through with Mr. Silver; especially after the detail and depth I covered "Donald Byrd," but you won't get any argument out of me, about "Song For My Father" being his best, I'm especially attached to that tune.
After Leon Thomas's Father's funeral, he sang that at a club, and it brought tears to my eyes because I knew his father, and I could see his smiling face.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSYwGEiowHg
Enjoy the music.