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James Silberstein: Express Lane
BySilberstein plays with a virtuosity reminiscent of Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and Martin Taylor. Whether in a trio, quartet, or larger formation, his punctuated contributions are clearly evident. All scenarios are effectively showcased on this CD.
Following Song for Micaela (CAP, 2004), the guitarist felt encouraged to do another project, with Express Lane sounding consistently engaging and fresher than ever. Bassist Harvie S, drummer Vince Cherico and keyboardist Jill McCarron had been rehearsing with Silberstein, and played a number of gigs together. Silberstein felt that this cohesive core would work for his second project and, after bringing in this depth of talent, the recording took place over three days.
Silberstein felt that his original, "Express Lane," would be the right choice for the titlean up-tempo tune with a catchy name. It was S' idea to play Arlen and Mercer's "Come Rain or Shine" with the meter shifting smoothly from 4/4 to 6/8, with a soloist cutting in before the switch.
A bluesy bass-guitar dialogue opens guitar master Jack Wilkins' "Kiwi Bird" before Anne Drummond's flute and Rotondi's muted trumpet add a classical fugue touch. By contributing the concept of a classical sounding bridge, S once again leaves his mark. The bassist's bow provides a deep context to the melody of "You Don't Know What Love Is" before shifting to a comfortable Cha Cha groove.
The standards bookend original tunes by Silberstein and Seither individually or collectively. The bassist brings a strong penchant for Latin textures on tunes including the evocative "Shadows," where he wrote the intro and helped develop the rest of the tune. Silberstein recruits Kate McGarry, who doubles Drummond's flute with a couple of brief wordless vocals. The Latin-based "Glass Garden," said to evoke Hancock's "Maiden Voyage," includes key solos by Rotondi, McCarron, Silberstein, and Alexander.
Silberstein shows his Joe Pass style on a mellow trio rendition of the Rodgers and Hart show tune "My Romance." A subtle yet deliberate bossa nova rhythm leads Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark" while remaining true to the melody. Silberstein and McCarron provide key solos within the spirit of the Latin feel, with solid bass and drums completing the groundwork on this catchy rendition.
The recording ends quietly with a mellow rendition of Silberstein solo on J.J. Johnson's "Lament."
Track Listing
From This Moment On; Kiwi Bird; You Don't Know What Love Is; Come Rain or Shine; Shadows; Express Lane; A Simple Thank You; Glass Garden; My Romance; Skylark; Lament.
Personnel
James Silberstein
guitarJames Silberstein: electic guitar; Eric Alexander: tenor saxophone (1, 4, 5, 7, 8); Jim Rotondi: trumpet, flugelhorn (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8); Steve Davis: trombone (1, 4); Harvie S: bass; Jill McCarron: piano (1-8, 10); Vince Cherico: drums (1-10); Daniel Sadownick: percussions (3, 5, 7, 8, 10); Anne Drummond: flute (2, 5); Kate McGarry: vocals (5).
Album information
Title: Express Lane | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Consolidated Artists Productions
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About James Silberstein
Instrument: Guitar
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