Blue Mitchell: Hi-Heel Sneakers

After Lee Morgans The Sidewinder rocked jukeboxes nationwide in 1964, Blue Note started searching for its next big hit. More and more albums jumped off with a danceable, R&B-style track, though many can be written off as uninspired and diluted commercial compromises. Not Blue Mitchells high-class version of Hi-Heel Sneakers. This vigorous groover burns from beginning to end, driven by Taylors repetitive, blues bassline and Fosters determined ride cymbal. Having perfected their trade in Horace Silvers group, Mitchell and Cook are masters of concise, funky blues minimalism. Young Chick Corea adds some soulful statements of his own, showing flashes of the brilliance that would soon make him one of the most influential pianists of his generation.