James Silberstein Guitarist

A seasoned veteran on the New York jazz scene, James Silberstein is an outstanding guitarist whose approach to the instrument is equally informed by blazing bebop and alluring bossa novas. An accomplished player who emulates the warm tone and remarkably fluid linear style of a Johnny Smith, Tal Farlow or Pat Martino, he also demonstrates a capacity for rich chordal voicings, uncommon lyricism and a penchant for the contrapuntal stylings of Brazilian fingerstyle guitar masters like Baden Powell and Bola Sete.

The guitarist made a strong introductory statement a couple of years ago with his impressive debut, Song For Micaela. Now with Express Lane, Silberstein shows that he ranks among the finest jazz guitarists around today.

Guitarist James Silberstein has a new CD out entitled “Express Lane.” The CD features Eric Alexander (sax), Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Steve Davis (trombone), Kate McGarry (vocal), Anne Drummond (flute), Jill McCarron (keyboards), Harvie S (bass), Vince Cherico (drums) and Daniel Sadownick (percussion).

All discourse aside this project has shelf life. Mr. Silberstein can hang his hat on this one and the jazz community awaits his next accomplishment. Song for Micaela never looks back nor should it!

Silberstein is an imaginative soloist and his original compositions stand up quite nicely to the covers of `How Deep is the Ocean,’ `Love for Sale’ and `Nica's Dream.’

With his recording debut, guitarist James Silberstein reveals a warm tone and crisp articulation. His straightahead session captures the essence of bebop, as he and his guests explore the art of improvisation over a theme. Several originals add favorably to the session's appeal.

James entertains us for more than an hour with one winning selection after another. As a first CD, it has been a while in coming but well worth the wait.

A fine outing from a significant talent.

Silberstein sheds the extroverted cover on unaccompanied guitar in ballad Why Did I Choose You playing with rapt introspection and beauty in a closer that indelibly pulls off his first date without a hitch. It is an easy recommend.

"James Silberstein combines the warm tone and remarkable fluid single note burn of a Pat Martino, Tal Farlow or Joe Diorio with a capacity for harmonic sophistication, uncommon lyricism and a penchant for alluring bossa novas.

Song 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.

One of the finest guitar-based, instrumental jazz albums of 2004

James Silberstein is a wonderful guitar player

ilberstein'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.

Song For Micaela is a mature effort, tasteful, skillful, and polished... Im already awaiting [Silberstein's] next foray, and if his fellow travelers are as well chosen, a pleasant journey it should be, indeed!

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.

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

Mr. Silberstein [is] a fleet-fingered guitarist in the George Benson line of descent.

So what is there to really say here? Killer big apple jazzbo guitarist rounds up some first call pals and sets sail for a solid session that any jazz guitar fan should love. On the money throughout with a sound and fury that echoes the greats that have come before him while adding his own colors and tones, this is simply one that should be hanging around your Ipod for those times you want a reliable date to let your ears sink into. Never less than totally satisfying.