An exquisite guitar & bass duet CD…
Ron Carter & Yotam Silberstein – Duets – Jojo Records #JJR-012 – CD – 34:02 – ****1/2
(Ron Carter – upright bass; Yotam Silberstein – guitars)
At age 89, iconic jazz bassist, Ron Carter, is the elder statesman of all living bass players. At last count, he has played on over 2200 (!) albums, and is easily the most recorded bassist in jazz history. His solo career spans over sixty years, and a shorter list could be compiled of who he has not played with, than who he has accompanied.
Even casual jazz fans know that he played with Miles Davis in the mid-60s , and was ever present on many Blue Note Records classic albums. Perhaps, a bit lesser known are his duet albums with guitarist, Jim Hall, in the 70s and 80s. Carter’s resonant, warm bass was a perfect match for Hall’s intricate reflective guitar.
Now a half century later, to honor this pairing, Ron is backed by Israeli guitarist, Yotam Silberstein, in a series of duets. Recorded at the most famous recording studio in jazz history, the Rudy Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey, the pair invigorates five standards, two Silberstein compositions, and the Brazilian track, “Nova Ilusao.”
The two Yotam written tracks really stand out. “Blues for Brother Malone,” honors guitarist, Russell Malone, whom we lost much too soon in 2024, of a heart attack. “Rain Again,” is a tender waltz that is deeply moving.
“What is There to Say,” features a sumptuous solo by Ron, while the closer, “Mil Dew,” written by saxophonist, Johnny Griffin, for his 1956 debut Blue Note album, is the most spirited track on the CD, and ends their session with some heat.
Yotam Silberstein’s sensitivity and tasteful guitar lines was a perfect choice to bring back memories of the Hall and Carter classic dates that set the standard for this jazz instrumental pairing. Having the opportunity to record this CD in the Van Gelder Studio just sweetens the pot. The acoustics help highlight this projects excellence.
—Review by Jeff Krow
Ron Carter & Yotam Silberstein – Duets
Tracklist:
Nova Ilusao
Love Letters
Blues for Brother Malone
Rain Again
The Lamp is Low
What is There to Say
They Say It’s Wonderful
Mil Dew
