James Silberstein Song For Micaela CD

The Young Lion movement has inspired many A&R people at major labels to try marketing hard bop the way they would market rock, R&B, dance music, country, or rap -- in other words, look for newcomers who are young and attractive and don't consider signing anyone over 30 unless he or she is already well established. But thankfully, CAP and other independent labels are smart enough to realize that one of the pleasures of following jazz is discovering bop veterans who, for whatever reason, have been underexposed -- people like James Silberstein, for example. The guitarist, who had been around the New York jazz scene for 25 years when CAP released Song for Micaela in 2004, is neither a Young Lion nor an ultrafamous veteran. Silberstein is, however, a tasteful, seasoned improviser along the lines of Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Tal Farlow, Barney Kessel, and Joe Pass. No one will accuse Song for Micaela of being the most innovative or groundbreaking release of 2004, but what Silberstein lacks in originality, he makes up for with good taste and a confident sense of swing. Song for Micaela (which boasts trumpeter Randy Brecker and tenor man Eric Alexander as guests) is, on the whole, a very straight-ahead, acoustic-oriented CD; Silberstein is as bop-minded on "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" as he is on Sergio Mendes' "So Many Stars" and the Cole Porter warhorse "Love for Sale." But the disc makes an enjoyable detour into electric jazz-funk territory on Silberstein's own "House Party," which wouldn't have been out of place on one of the albums that Creed Taylor produced for CTI Records in the early '70s. This solid, if conventional, outing demonstrates that Silberstein's guitar playing is worth getting to know. ~ Alex Henderson

James Silberstein's CD, entitled "Song For Micaela", released in 2004, is available on the Consolidated Artists Production record label. The CD features Randy Brecker on trumpet, Eric Alexander on tenor sax, Carla Cook on vocals, Bruce Barth on piano, Harvie S and Tony Cimorosi on bass and Vince Cherico on drums and percussion. Walter Wade (at WBGO) wrote the liner notes. The CD received extensive and extended US radio play and reached #28 on the US jazz radio charts. Here are some reviews of the CD. "James plays extraordinarily throughout the entire CD, with emotion, technique and taste. He is an artist with much to say and hopefully will get lots of attention from this CD." Jack Wilkins"A fleet-fingered guitarist in the George Benson line of descent." Nate Chinen, The New York Times"This CD represents the long overdue first album by one of New York City's best kept secrets. Jim Silberstein is a great player and a fine writer." Randy Johnston"James Silberstein's warm tone and fluid single note burning style is reminiscent of Pat Martino and a younger George Benson, but he's clearly established a sound that's all his own with SONG FOR MICAELA." http:// soundsoftimelessjazz "James Silberstein is a wonderful guitar player." http:// jazzguitarlife "Song For Micaela is a mature effort, tasteful, skillful, and polished. . . . I¹m already awaiting [Silberstein's] next foray, and if his fellow travelers are as well chosen, a pleasant journey it should be, indeed!" J. Robert Bragonier, All About Jazz "One of the finest guitar-based, instrumental jazz albums of 2004." Robert Silverstein, 20th Century Guitar "Silberstein's rapid-fire solo brings to mind Pat Martino's fiery intensity, but with a warm tone that is considerably lighter ! [his] flawless playing and mainstream predilection ties everything together into a neat package." John Kelman, All About JazzSong For Micaela "begins and ends with Silberstein's warm, organic sound on electric guitar, and his singe-note speed and clarity. Along the way he displays his fluency in bossa nova, blues, funk and the Great American Songbook. He also reveals his skills as an arranger, composer and leader." Jazz Times, Thomas Conrad James Silberstein "combin