I am happy to present this album of live performances of my Terry Silverlight Band. Recorded over the course of several years, there was a large amount of material to choose from. So, I selected what I think is the best representation of my music within the confines of a seventy-minute live “concert”.
I was fortunate to have the finest, most successful, and talented musicians in New York, and for that matter, the world playing with me. New York has always been considered the jazz capital, housing the cream of the crop musicians and the best venues to perform in. The heyday of this community perhaps was in the 1950’s when Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Charlie Mingus and many other greats performed nightly in the clubs of New York. Given the current state of affairs, the jazz music “scene” in New York has diminished greatly from what it was in the early and mid 1900’s. I am proud to have had the opportunity to bring a taste of the “old days” back to New York with the performances I did with my band and these great musicians. The audiences came out in droves, and I know they had a terrific time listening and mingling, as we did playing. I’d like to thank Steve Walter, Peter Abraham, Jenna Lee, Liz Caro, and Allan Molnar for opening the doors of their hearts and establishments to my music and band.
Most of the compositions on this album appear on my studio albums “Wild!” and “Diamond In The Riff”, but these versions feature raw, spontaneous performances created in front of live audiences. Unlike the studio versions, attention to production detail is minimal, as these were recorded simply with one stereo microphone into a mini-disc recorder.
I wrote all of the compositions except “Plaza Mexico”, which was composed by Barry Miles. I selected his song because it showcases the virtuosity of the soloists and rhythm section. Barry is a master of that art and a pioneer of its development as far back as the late 1950’s. I think he is the best at this compositional style in contemporary jazz. My goal for the Terry Silverlight Band was to write my own compositions and feature my drumming and the virtuoso abilities of my favorite musicians. Barry’s direction inspired me to do this, and I hope I’ve successfully added to the repertoire.
None of these performances, or the creation of the Terry Silverlight Band, would have happened without Will Lee. I’ve had great experiences playing with him over the years on studio dates and live performances, enjoyed listening to him play on countless pinnacle recordings, and I respect him as one of the world’s most gifted, original, spontaneous, musical and influential musicians. When I asked him about doing some gigs with my band and he accepted, I saw it as an opportunity for something special to happen, and it inspired me to do my best with my drumming and writing.
I hope those who were unable to attend these performances enjoy them now on this album.
--Terry Silverlight
CREDITS:
1) LIVE! INTRODUCTION
by Terry Silverlight
2) YO
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Bill Evans-soprano sax, Lew Soloff-trumpet, Charles Blenzig-keyboard, Chuck Loeb-guitar
3) WILD!
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Bill Evans-soprano sax, Lew Soloff-trumpet, Charles Blenzig-keyboard, Chuck Loeb-guitar
4) PLAZA MEXICO
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Barry Miles-piano, David Mann-tenor sax, Aaron Heick-soprano sax
5) BROWN ‘N SERVE
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, David Mann-tenor sax, Mike Ricchiuti-organ, Jay Azzolina-guitar
6) FUNK BUCKET
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Barry Miles-keyboard, David Mann-soprano sax, Tony Kadleck-trumpet
7) WTC
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Barry Miles-keyboard, David Mann-soprano sax, Tony Kadleck-trumpet
8) SHUFFLE SONG
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Barry Miles-piano, David Mann-soprano sax, Tony Kadleck-trumpet
9) WASH ME, PLEASE
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Chris Hunter-alto sax, Rob Aries-keyboard, Gil Parris-guitar
10) T 4 2
Clifford Carter-piano, John Tropea-guitar
11) CLOSING
Terry Silverlight-drums, Will Lee-bass, Barry Miles-piano, David Mann-soprano sax, Tony Kadleck-trumpet
Produced by Terry Silverlight
All songs composed by Terry Silverlight,
except “Plaza Mexico” by Barry Miles
Terry Silverlight endorses Gretsch, Paiste, Evans, Pro-Mark, LP (Latin Percussion), HQ Percussion, Puresound Snare Wires
This album is dedicated to the loving memory of my nephew, Brandon Silverlight.
Brandon, who passed away at the age of 25 on November 14, 2009, was a talented drummer and exceptional teacher. He helped and gave of himself unconditionally to so many people in his community. Had he lived, undoubtedly he would have expanded his influence to a broader demographic. I feel my LIVE! album is an appropriate dedication to Brandon. Just as these performances brought immediate, real-life gratification to me, my audiences and the musicians in my band, so did Brandon with his exuberance, talent and giving nature to those whose lives he touched. When I'm asked what is the best part of being a musician, I think of how glad I am to have the opportunity to carry on and make more music. Thank you, Brandon, for inspiring me to continue on my musical journey in an even more dedicated, productive, positive and meaningful way than ever before.
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