Robert Silverman

Self-produced and composed by pianist Robert Silverman, Golden Heart is one of those gems which, for a variety of reasons, seems to only come about in the NYC area. It impresses as a love letter to all the artists, clubs and fans wherein and for whom this wonderful brand of swinging jazz continues to resonate. Silverman is a pianist who is well attuned to the tempo and he hits it square on for each of these ten cuts - never too fast and never too slow, always just right.

His exquisite phrasing is presented within the context of a variety of styles, the funkiness of “Say What?”, the precious blues of “Blues for ML”, the hard swing of “The Search” and the wonderfully paced storytelling that is a part of “The Struggle” and “Starchild”. For this, he has assembled a band that includes one of the world’s foremost reggae session guitarists, Andy Bassford, who here performs on bass. Bassford combines with drummer Scott Hamilton to produce a rhythm section that when joined with Silverman’s touch is to die for. Tenor man James “Doc” Halliday provides the spirit and a slight edge to tunes that, due to their subtlety, in less capable hands would easily become clichéd and stilted. Here, they are presented with warmth and a depth that makes repeated listenings a treat. Halliday shines on the graceful paean to altoist Jackie McLean entitled “Jackie’s Waltz”. Trumpeter Chris Anderson lends his versatile horn to three tunes but is a standout on the aptly named tribute to the great hardbop trumpeter Lee Morgan, “The Cat”. To paraphrase the Harvey Shapiro poem whose simple message solely defines the liner notes, Silverman wants the boroughs to hear his voice like he hears theirs. With Golden Heart he has succeeded and in many ways produced a love letter to the city itself. For more information, visit www.robertsilverman.net. Silverman is at Sugar Bar Jul. 10th and Mannahatta Lounge Jul. 17th.

...Drivin'! The Robert Silverman Jazz Quintet CAP942

ROB SILVERMAN
Piano, Cornet, Composer

KYLE WHELAN
Alto and Soprano Saxophones

JAMES "Doc" HALLIDAY
Tenor Saxophone

AKIRA ANDO
Acoustic Bass

DEAN CUMMINS
Drums

Do It Yourself

Smokin'In Central Park

Blues In The Afternoon

The Blues Will Never Leave

Drivin'

The Stranger

Prelude

Hymn To Jahan

The Clincher

This music is dedicated to the life and spirit of Tess Straka,

Viveka, Jahan and Dave Lavorgna

"The Rob Silverman Jazz Group offers a unique blend of original compositions, inspired in the traditional quintet setting with the distinction of Mr. Silverman doubling on cornet in addition to his piano. The record is deeply rooted in the blues and is expressive on many levels of harmonic development and rhythmic variation. This is Rob's third release as a composer and leader and as you will experience, represents a continuation of the 'drivin'' compassion of an inspired and committed composer and performer." - Al Trainer

To ORDER ONLINE from New York-Lincoln Center, click here

Sunday, November 24, 5:00 PM, Saint Peter's Church, 54th & Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, Robert Silverman, piano; David Lavorgna, bass - performed at the Jazz Ministry Vespers Service, main chapel.

The Next Big Thing, a weekly show that airs on WNYC FM (the New York public radio station), as well as on about two dozen smaller stations across the U.S., is doing a profile of Pastor Dale Lind. The Jazz Vespers at St. Peter's Sunday, November 24, recorded for broadcast in December. The Next Big Thing New York Public Radio www.nextbigthing.org...click here to listen to the recording: