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James Silberstein

Although he has been a working pro on the New York scene for the past 25 years, guitarist James Silberstein had been flying somewhat under the radar . . . until now. An accomplished player who combines the warm tone and remarkably fluid single note burn of a Pat Martino, Tal Farlow or Joe Diorio with a capacity for harmonic sophistication, uncommon lyricism and a penchant for alluring bossa novas, Silberstein crafts an invigorating and appealing collection of standards and originals on Song for Micaela, his long overdue debut as a leader. Along for the ride are the guitarist's core working rhythm section of bassist/producer Tony Cimorosi and drummer Vince Cherico as well as such stellar guests as trumpeter Randy Brecker, saxophonist Eric Alexander, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Harvie S and vocalist Carla Cook. Together these seasoned jazz artists swing with authority while engaging in some fiery interplay along the way.

Silberstein and crew open the collection in easy mid-tempo mode on James' original, "Red Carpet." Cimorosi's steady walking bass lines and Cherico's light, interactive touch provide a solidly swinging foundation for potent solos by both Brecker and Silberstein on this jaunty quartet number. Carla Cook then unveils her hauntingly beautiful delivery on a poignant reading of the gorgeous Sergio Mendes ballad "So Many Stars," which also features nimble, engaging solos from guitar and piano. Silberstein burns a blue streak on Horace Silver's "Nica's Dream," a spirited post-bop romp that also features Brecker and Alexander on the frontline and is fueled by the surging rhythm tandem of bassist Harvie S and drummer Cherico. The easy grooving blues "Aquas" is Silberstein's answer to Horace Silver-Bobby Timmons soul-jazz anthems like "Juicy Lucy" and "Dat Dere," while "House Party" is a funk-fueled throw-down with the full ensemble featuring some sizzling solo contributions from Brecker, Silberstein, Alexander and Barth on Fender Rhodes electric piano.

On a burning up-tempo trio rendition of Cole Porter's "Love For Sale," Silberstein pulls out all the stops and unleashes one of his most impressive, fleet-fingered solos on the collection. His combination of impeccable articulation, fluent lines and sheer blazing speed here is yet more evidence of the guitarist's infinite capacity to burn. Elsewhere, he renders Irving Berlin's "How Deep Is The Ocean" as an alluring bossa-samba in a pared down trio setting, then brings back Alexander for a buoyant, up-tempo take on Anthony Newley's signature piece, "Who Can I Turn To," which serves as a perfect vehicle to showcase the young tenor titan's ability to blow through the changes with relentless drive and a robust, deep tone. Silberstein adds another flawlessly facile single note solo here that is firmly in the swinging tradition of jazz guitar elders like Chuck Wayne, Bucky Pizzarelli and Mundell Lowe.

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125
Album Review

James Silberstein: Expresslane

Read "Expresslane" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


It's unclear why a guitar-featured album with a bunch of solid horn players on hand engenders feelings of nervousness--especially when they are pros like tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trumpeter Jim Rotundi and trombonist Steve Davis. From the opening bars of Cole Porter's “From This Moment On," on James Silberstein's Expresslane, horn riffs are heard alongside guitar chords and runs.

It is obvious, though, that Silberstein is quite comfortable in this setting and enjoys sharing the spotlight with his ...

122
Album Review

James Silberstein: Express Lane

Read "Express Lane" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


The way “From This Moment On begins, you might think you're in store for some high-spirited big band jazz. However, the small horn ensemble make up just part of the support for guitarist James Silberstein's Express Lane. A fixture on the New York jazz scene, Silberstein has a long list of distinguished artists with whom he has associated. Among them are Zoot Sims, Norah Jones, Jack Wilkins and the Larry Elgart Orchestra. Silberstein's debut CD, Song for Micaela ...

238
Album Review

James Silberstein: Express Lane

Read "Express Lane" reviewed by Alain Londes


Composer/songwriter Cole Porter's “From This Moment On" fires up talented guitarist James Silberstein's second album, Express Lane. The up-tempo rendition of this classic brings in a full and dynamic band for this project, including topnotch members of the well-known New York-based collective, One For All: trumpeter Jim Rotondi, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander and saxophonist Steve Davis. Silberstein plays with a virtuosity reminiscent of Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and Martin Taylor. Whether in a trio, quartet, or larger ...

120
Album Review

James Silberstein: Express Lane

Read "Express Lane" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Even though he is heard prominently throughout, James Silberstein's second recording as leader isn't a “guitar album" as such but more an ensemble piece, as it features on several tracks a number of first-class instrumentalists from the New York area, namely trumpeter Jim Rotondi, tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis and flautist Anne Drummond.

Silberstein is showcased with his rhythm section (pianist Jill McCarron, bassist Harvie S, drummer Vince Cherico) on his own “Express Lane," adding percussionist Daniel Sadownick ...

276
Album Review

James Silberstein: Express Lane

Read "Express Lane" reviewed by Edward Blanco


Composer/guitarist James Silberstein embarks on a musical commute through the non-stop highway of jazz on his very own Express Lane, driving eleven terrific charts of contemporary and Latin jazz grooves making for one burner of an album. This represents the artist's second release and follow-up to his debut, Song For Micaela (Consolidated Artists Production, 2004).

For this recording, Silberstein brings back saxophonist Eric Alexander, bassist Harvie S and drummer Vince Cherico. Trumpeter Jim Rotondi replaces the great Randy ...

112
Album Review

James Silberstein: Song For Micaela

Read "Song For Micaela" reviewed by Jim Santella


With his recording debut, guitarist James Silberstein reveals a warm tone and crisp articulation. His straight-ahead session captures the essence of bebop, as he and his guests explore the art of improvisation over a theme. Several originals add favorably to the session's appeal.

With Randy Brecker, Eric Alexander and Carla Cook alongside, the guitarist weaves creative threads. He shows a penchant for up-tempo frenzy and blazing fast motion. Bruce Barth contributes several exciting piano romps. His feature on ...

125
Album Review

James Silberstein: Song For Micaela

Read "Song For Micaela" reviewed by John Kelman


By all accounts guitarist James Silberstein has been a busy working musician on the Georgia, Miami and New York scenes for 25 years, but has operated mainly beneath the radar, only now releasing his debut CD, Song For Micaela, which finds him mining the juncture between post bop modernists like Pat Martino and more staid traditionalists like Tal Farlow. With a programme that combines some well-heeled standards with a number of interesting originals whose main purpose is to create an ...

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100

Performance / Tour

James Silberstein Quartet at John Birks Gillespie Auditorium (Baha'i Center) Tues. January 23rd; Sets at 8 and 9:30

James Silberstein Quartet at John Birks Gillespie Auditorium (Baha'i Center) Tues. January 23rd; Sets at  8 and 9:30

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

James Silberstein Quartet at the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium (Baha'i Center) Tues. January 23rd; sets at 8 and 9:30 212-222-5159 53 East 11th St. (btw. University and Bway) with/ Harvie S (bass) Jill McCarron (piano) Vince Cherico (drums) There's a $15 music charge.

The James Silberstein Quartet has performed in the New York area for several years. The Quartet performs an array ...

100

Performance / Tour

Guitarist James Silberstein at Kavehaz Feb. 22nd (Tues) 8pm-11pm + 107 West March 4th (Fri.) 10pm-12

Guitarist James Silberstein at Kavehaz  Feb. 22nd (Tues) 8pm-11pm +  107 West March 4th (Fri.) 10pm-12

Source: All About Jazz

Guitarist James Silberstein Kavehaz Feb. 22nd (Tues) 8-11 37 West 26th Street 212-343-0612 www.kavehaz.com With: Harvie S (bass) Jill McCarron (piano) Vince Cherico (drums) + 107 West March 4th (Fri.) 10-12 2787 Broadway between 107th and 108th Sts. 212-864-1555 (http://107west.com/) With: Joe Giglio (guitar -great) James Silberstein - Song For Micaela Download Press kit as PDF | Get Adobe Acrobat Reader “This CD represents the long overdue first album by one of New York City's best kept secrets.Ä Jim Silberstein ...

“A totally complete, fulfilling cd led by Jim's amazing, masterful soloing, with an array of arrangements, all with interesting orchestrations and all complimenting his unique concept for each tune. Every player here is a giant.” —Gene Bertoncini

“Express Lane is a second great recording by guitar master James Silberstein. Wonderful standards and some very beautiful originals by James and bassist Harvie S. Express Lane is a must recording for all jazz fans who also love warm, moving melodies.” —Jack Wilkins

“James Silberstein is a great guitarist with something of his own to say. This cd shows his unique gifts as an improviser and composer. His playing is exciting and thoughtful and full of surprises. He has also assembled a stellar cast of musicians whose talents he utilizes to the fullest as part of his own conception. This is a great cd with much depth and many contrasts of mood and feeling.” —Peter Bernstein

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Express Lane

Consolidated Artists Productions
2008

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Song for Micaela

Consolidated Artists Productions
2004

buy

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