Standards

Description

When we discovered the Israeli guitarist Yotam Silberstein in France about fifteen years ago, we were immediately captivated by his fluid and clear guitar playing, without any effects or artifice. It was a great pleasure to hear such a beautiful sound, pure as a jewel, that "sings" the melodies like no one else, combined with an exemplary rhythmic placement, carrying a jubilant swing!
For this new project, so refreshing and pure, Yotam wanted to take a "break" from his work as a composer. He indulged himself by interpreting pieces written by others that he particularly loves. Contrary to what the album title suggests, most of the pieces chosen by Yotam Silberstein are not truly standards - with the exception of: If I Loved You, Never Let Me Go, and Stella By Starlight - but songs with strong melodic potential (like Serenata) that he wanted to interpret, or jazz instrumentals, rarely played on guitar (Eclypso or Little Willie Leaps).
There is no nostalgia of the past in Yotam Silberstein, just the immense pleasure of playing playful, elegant, and invigorating jazz, putting his guitar playing in the foreground. For this particular project, he needed experienced musicians who have no ego issues and share this taste for melodic delicacy, without artifice and without complications.
Involved musicians who put all their energy and talent at the service of a project they fully endorsed. On three-quarters of the pieces, Yotam favored the instrumental trio format (guitar, double bass, drums) and surrounded himself with two great jazz stars with impressive resumes. Musicians who know how to remain humble and modest: bassist John Pattitucci (64 years old) and drummer Billy Hart (83 years old). On two tracks, Silberstein wanted a second melodic voice and desired a beautiful and fluid tenor saxophone sound. It is the veteran George Coleman (88 years old) who stood out and brought with him one of his compositions (Low Joe).
The result is splendid and provides us with immense pleasure that spreads deep within ourselves. This "Standards" does us good and offers a superb musical lesson, carrying refined and serene jazz. It is exactly what everyone needs right now, we all dreamed of it, and Yotam Silberstein made it happen!