Blue Moods

Because there have been relatively few major jazz violinists, it is difficult for a newcomer to emerge without comparison to some of the greats, or often sounding too much like one of them. Fortunately, Antoine Silverman doesn't resort to mimicry but has already seemed to have developed his own distinct sound; this talented young man is accompanied by Stefan Karlson (a fine pianist who has yet to receive the acclaim he deserves), bassist Roger Spencer, guitarist Pat Bergeson, and drummer Chris Brown. Silverman's dark tone almost makes his instrument sound like a viola on the opener, "Come Rain or Come Shine." Duke Jordan's hard bop anthem "Jordu" (inexplicably credited to "Jordan Duke") has a Latin rhythm line underneath the leader's furious solo. "I'll Remember April" finds the solo baton being passed back and forth in a stimulating workout of this old chestnut. The bittersweet ballad "You've Changed" packs an emotional punch in Silverman's hands. The leader also wrote several songs, including the lively jazz waltz "Kika" and the catchy "Bee's Bounce." Recommended.