The first time I saw guitarist Yotam Silberstein perform he was part of the Jimmy Heath Big Band, and he was just Yotam. Before that, however, the legendary James Moody had returned from a jazz workshop, telling anyone who would listen about "this young Israeli kid who plays like an old man!" The Moody compliment has depth as listeners have discovered on 4 previous releases comfort with the works of John Lewis, Clifford Brown and Joe Henderson, and a love for Brazil and Latin music, resulting in attention getting performances with Paquito D'Rivera and Monty Alexander.
For his 5th recording, "The Village", Yotam recruited the creative experience of bassist Reuben Rogers, pianist Aaron Goldberg and drummer Greg Hutchinson. Together they explore be-bop to Brazil on this recording of mostly Silberstein originals. The sense memory of playing with the others previously allows the travel freedom of a Tristano move to a bossa groove, agility of improvisation always the guide.