For father’s day, gonna pause the dose’s penchant for underrated gems
This is a gem, but not underrated
To the contrary, it’s playing in every bookstore, cafe, lounge
Sits in everybody’s dad’s collection
And rightly so
If I remember correctly, also a favorite of the Professor
Whose own father (aka Big Hakim) surely loved and introduced it to his progeny
Rest in peace, Big Hak
Silver’s father (featured on the cover) was John Tavares Silver
Of Portuguese descent, and born in the colony of Cabo Verde
The tune (and whole 1965 album) was inspired by Horace’s trip to Brazil the previous year
Which is what gives Song for my Father its bossa swing
So the legacy of Europe’s most unusual empire is strong with this one
The album, of the same name, is on everyone’s list of paradigmatic hard bop and soul jazz
Happy father’s day to all those with paternal roles
