Liam Sillery

Trumpeter and composer Liam Sillery was introduced to music at an early age by his uncle, also a trumpet player. Liam considers himself fortunate to have been surrounded through the years by fine teachers and musicians. Most significant during his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida was the great tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson. Before going on to attend the Manhattan School of Music, he performed as a freelance musician. At MSM he studied with Cecil Bridgewater, Dave Liebman, Phil Markowitz, Joan Stiles, Mark Soskin, and Garry Dial.

In 2004 Liam released his first recording as a leader, Minor Changes (OA2 22020). His second cd, On the Fly (OA2 22030), recorded with the David Sills Quartet, was released on October 17, 2006. During the summer of 2007, he recorded his third cd, Outskirts (OA2 22050), with Matt Blostein, Jesse Stacken, Thomas Morgan, and Vinnie Sperrazza. On Outskirts, which was released in January 2009, Liam moved away from his traditional style to explore freer material.

Phenomenology (OA2 22061), released on February 16, 2010, received a 5-star review from Downbeat magazine. In his notes, Chris Robinson wrote, “Trumpeter Liam Sillery's Phenomenology is so natural that only one word can be used to describe it: perfect. Hearkening back to the great outside- leaning Blue Note recordings of the mid- and late-'60s, Phenomenology gets better with each listen, as details and intricacies continuously come to light that were missed previously. The music's textures, rhythms and sonorities continuously morph, but not in a districting, overbearing, or contrived way. There's freedom and a relaxed ease in Phenomenology's every facet, giving the listener a sense that what is heard is the only possible solution given the group's vision. The end result is sublime.”

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Album Reviews

Phenomenology by Dan McClenaghan
Outskirts by John Barron
On the Fly by Jim Santella
On the Fly by Dan McClenaghan
Minor Changes by Dan McClenaghan

Trumpeter Liam Sillery continues in the direction of his most recent album ”Outskirts,” challenging both the musicians and the listener with intricate compositions and compelling improvisation. On ”Phenomenology,” the band is reactive and supportive, while maintaining their individual personalities to constantly compliment the music. Liam's exploration of the sonic landscapes suggested by his compositions create a sense of melodic intrigue on the Kenny Wheeler-inspired “Koi” and the horn lines cartwheel through the back- beat of “Intentionality.”

“This recording, Phenomenology, no doubt helps solidify Sillery as “an important voice in 21st Century jazz.” ”Sillery, although influenced a little by Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, and Wynton Marsalis, has his own approach and displays lots of potential.” by Scott Yanow