Dick Hyman
Venice, FL
There are very few people around who can claim two highly successful careers, but Dr. Herb Silverstein is one of those rare ones. I haven't needed to call on him in his medical capacity as a specialist in hearing, but I've heard the evidence of his other interest, and I'll say that he is a terrific jazz pianist. Furthermore, and surprisingly, he is amazingly contemporary and seems to have been learning from post-boppers from Herbie Hancock down to the present. His new recording, Beach Walker is a case in point, and it's well worth listening to.
Review FOUR STARS
by Scott Yanow
Based in Florida, Herb Silverstein (whose day job is as an ear surgeon) not only plays piano on this set but wrote all 12 of the compositions. The proceeds from the sales of his CD go toward the nonprofit Ear Research Foundation. The music is light, swinging, and full of subtle surprises. Other than Silverstein and bassist Richard Drexler, the personnel changes constantly, with the Lobster String Quartet utilized quite effectively on four songs, reed player Jack Wilkins and guitarist LaRue Nickelson appearing on six numbers apiece (including three of the same songs), and Joel Spencer and Steve Moretti taking turns on drums. Sometimes Silverstein's playing recalls Bill Evans but in general he has his own fresh voice within the modern mainstream (playing in 3/4 time particularly well), and the same can be said for the supporting cast. Both Wilkins (particularly strong on tenor) and Nickelson are major assets in the solo department. The likable Beach Walker is well worth searching for.
Beach Walker
by Dan McClenaghan
Pianist Herb Silverstein has a day job that makes for a good story to go along with the music he makes on Beach Walker. But music first...
This set of twelve original compositions, delivered by Silverstein on piano, plus guitar, sax, bass and drums, has a vibrant straight ahead glow, a bit on the cerebral--yet still engaging--side of sound, a bit tangy and progressive, with LaRue Nickelson's electric and acoustic guitars dancing seamlessly alongside the leader's keyboard. The four tunes featuring the Lobster String Quartet create a beautiful “with strings” mood; while the jazzier numbers, like the title tune, really cook, the string tunes stand out for this listener, with a gentle swirl of harmony that fleshes out Silverstein's ideas--a classical tinge adding a soft luster to the proceedings. “Awesome Autumn” pairs strings with Jack Wilkins' tenor saxophone with marvelous results, and Silverstein's solo has a the delicate grace of a nimble musical surgeon, a lilting momentum that leads back to the saxophone.
The day job? Dr. Herb Silverstein's main gig is as an ear surgeon and “innovator of procedures and devices for the hearing impaired,” and he is also the head of the Silverstein Institute, which provides diagnosis and treatment for ailments of the head, neck, nose, and ears. A first rate talent in his first job, it seems, and a top level jazz man, too, with Beach Walker to prove it.
Proceeds from the sale of this and Dr. Silverstein's eight previous CDs help to fund the Ear Research Foundation.
John Gilbert
E JazzNews
5 Stars
This album consists of all original compositions by pianist Herb Silverstein. He is accompanied at various times by strings, rhythm and sax / flute.
The cool California sound is apparent in these selections by Silverstein and company. "Beach Walker" the title tune is marked by a fine tenor solo by Jack Wilkins and a idea filled bass solo by Richard Drexler. Silverstein's message is pure and simple with no mindless notes.
The melody of "High Heeled Lady" is totally apropos to the title. This tune moves along gracefully in high style. Herb Silverstein's soliloquy weaves a tapestry of sophistication.
"The Bird Returns" is Silverstein at his melodic best as this song romps along riding on the pianist's melody making magic. Wilkin's tenor adds to the potency of this number. Joel Spencer on drums duels nicely with Wilkins on some brief fours and deftly handles the percussion throughout.
Herb Silverstein plays and composes with style and panache.
Karl Stober
Jazz Review
Herb Silverstein Beach Walker
In life, we sometimes take a walk down a different path leaving behind all that was dear... at the crossroads so to speak. Then for a select few, we end up going full circle, allowing a second chance as rare as that is. Dr. Herb Silverstein had the opportunity, grasped the moment and ventured back to that ivory path. The result, a very smooth piece of well-composed and heartfelt piano driven jazz labeled "Beach Walker." This is Dr. Silverstein's ninth project since his return.
Enjoy the music and experience, I did.
Accompanied by a somewhat behind-the-scenes cast of musicians, however truly gifted, each cut has a personality and strong performance attached. Bassist Richard Drexler has an astounding impact on Dr. Silverstein 's project. His bass, along with the sounds of Silverstein, unite in making this a successful jazz recording. No frills, gimmicks put aside, this is good strong arrangement and melodic composition.
It deserves mentioning that proceeds from the CD go to The Ear Research Foundation, which Dr. Silverstein has embraced through his work. That being said, one can understand that cause, along with passion, were the catalysts for this work.
On a few cuts is the very talented and refined Lobster String Quartet, which adds a new flavor in the mix. That along with the tones and chords bouncing off the strings of LaRue Nickelson completes a well-represented string set.
This is a firm and healthy piece of jazz with dynamic string methodology - a very suitable musical textbook of novel jazz. Take it for a spin if only for enjoyment purposes. There's not a bad sound in the entire arrangement.
David Wilson
Wilson & Alroy Record Reviews
A moonlighting ear surgeon, Silverstein has been releasing his own homebrewed CDs for years, spotlighting his jazz compositions and piano playing. Backing him up on his ninth release are Richard Drexler (bass), Jack Wilkins (flute and sax), LaRue Nickelson (guitar, including a fine extended solo on "High-Heeled Lady"), and either Joel Spencer or Steve Moretti (drums). Though he's based in Florida, his tunes have a mellow West Coast vibe, and they're unfailingly pleasant (title track; the elegant "While You Were Away"); just a couple of tunes increase the energy level ("Go Fourth," with a noisy solo from Wilkins). The mood is so gentle, actually, that it verges on mood music at times ("A French Wedding"), but is lifted into a whole other realm on four tracks featuring the Lobster String Quartet, playing spooky arrangements (by Drexler) that often seem at cross purposes to the main track ("Awesome Autumn"; the unearthly scraped violin opening "9.11" recalls Sun Ra)
J. Scott Fugate,General Manager, Program & Music Director
Eclectic 89.1 WBCX - Gainesville, GA
"This is an excellent CD!"