Podcast 558: A Conversation with Yotam Silberstein

Israel is producing some of the finest jazz musicians outside of the US these days. Israeli guitarists are particularly prolific, including artists like Roni Ben-Hur, Gilad Hekselman, Oren Neiman, and Tel-Aviv native Yotam Silberstein.   Silberstein is something of a prodigy, having picked up the guitar at ten, and having won the "Israeli Jazz Player of The Year" title by the age of 21. Since coming to New York in 2005 to study at the New School, he has been a finalist at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Guitar Competition, and released albums under his own name and with others. His mentors included James Moody and Jimmy Heath, leading to gigs in their ensembles. Released under the name "Yotam," his critically acclaimed releases Resonance and Brasil on the Jazz Legacy Productions label set the stage for his work with Monty Alexander's Grammy-nominated Harlem-Kingston Express Live! The Village represents a chance for Yotam to not only lead an exciting quartet, but also to produce the work. Using Kickstarter, he raised more than enough money to allow him to bring his friends Aaron Goldberg on piano, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Greg Hutchinson on drums. The result is full of the wonderful interplay between musicians we have come to love from Yotam. With eleven original compositions, those who loved the Blue Note guitar sounds of artists like Grant Green will find much to enjoy on this CD. Podcast 558 is my conversation with Yotam as he describes the Kickstarter process, relates stories of the recording of The Village, and talks about his gigs with Monty Alexander and his upcoming appearance as part of John Patitucci's Trio on the album Irmaos De Fe that will be out in February on Newvelle Records. Musical selections include "Nocturno", "Stav", anf "Changes" from The Village and "Compassion" from Harlem-Kingston Express Live!