Junior Cook
Tenor Sax Solo on
Nica's Dream

About

Junior Cook leads off the solos with a single chorus on tenor sax, the first of three improvisations on the recording. The Latin groove at 259 BPM over the 64-bar AABA in B♭ provides a rhythmic foundation that distinguishes the performance from straight-ahead swing. Junior Cook opens with a tenor saxophone chorus over the Latin groove, his playing riding the rhythmic pulse with relaxed authority. Recorded for the album Horace-Scope in 1960, the performance captures Junior Cook at 25 to 26 years old. The Baroness inspired numerous dedications from jazz composers, including Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica" and Gigi Gryce's "Nica's Tempo," but Silver's contribution has become among the most widely performed.

Junior Cook was 25 to 26 years old at the time.