James Silberstein : Song For Micaela

“Song For Micaela” is the first CD from New York Jazz guitarist James Silberstein who has been situated in the New York jazz scene for the past twenty-five years or so. Upon my first listen to the album I couldn’t help but wonder why he kept us waiting for so long.

This is a CD that showcases Silberstein’s hard-boppin’ jazz chops (and there are plenty) as well as his inspiring compositional skills. Of the twelve tunes that are on the CD, four are penned by Silberstein: “Red Carpet”, “Aquas”, “House Party” and “Song For Micaela”, and the rest are standards: “Nica’s Dream”, “Love For Sale", "How Deep Is The Ocean”, “Baubles, Bangles & Beads” and others of the same ilk.

There is a nice mix of musical styles to keep the listener interested ranging from the hard bop sound of “Nica’s Dream” to the straight ahead trio work of “Love For Sale”, “Song For Micaela”, “You’re My Everything” and “Baubles Bangles & Beads”, to the bossa sound of “How Deep Is the Ocean” to the all-out 70’s New York Jazz Funk of Silberstein’s own “House Party” to the beautifully warm chord-melody solo of “Why Did I Choose You?”. There is something on this CD for everyone.

And while Silberstein plays great on all the tunes, he really shines on the trio tracks where he really lets loose with great swing, hip head arrangements and even hipper improvisational ability. His harmonic and melodic sense is extremely impressive and he can burn with the best of them. But he also has thoughtful moments as is evident on the track “So Many Stars” where his melodic sense and musical taste is highly honed. This is a man who can really play and lovers of Jazz Guitar won’t walk away disappointed.

But wait, there’s more!

Not only do you get Silberstein’s impressive jazz chops, you also get some of the most happening musicians on the scene today guesting on the album. Players like Randy Brecker on trumpet, Eric Alexander on tenor saxophone, Harvie S., and Tony Cimorosi on bass, Bruce Barth on keyboards, Vince Cherico on drums and percussion, and Carla Cook, (who lends her commanding vocals to the cut “So Many Stars”), make this CD a very hot product indeed. With players like these you know you can’t go wrong. Check out their contributions on Horace Silver’s “Nica’s Dream”, Silberstein’s “Aquas” and “House Party” for ful-tilt musical excitement.

If you are a fan of Jazz Guitar I would highly recommend James Silberstein’s debut CD “Song For Micaela”. Let’s hope he doesn’t make us wait another twenty-five years for the next one.

Go to www.jamessilberstein.com to purchase "Song For Micaela" or to see what else James Silberstein has to offer.

Lyle Robinson