Deborah Silver Wins Gold as Vocalist – JazzTimes
Deborah Silver, a renowned vocalist, has always embraced challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm and talent. From her previous works like The Gold Standards and Glitter & Grits, which reflect her Mississippi heritage and operatic training, to her latest album, Basie Rocks!, produced by the legendary Steve Jordan in collaboration with the Count Basie Orchestra, Silver has showcased her vocal prowess and dynamic range.
Silver attributes her bold operatic voice to her mother’s influence but points out that she did not alter her style for Basie Rocks! Instead, she embraced the opportunity to unleash her inner big band singer, seamlessly blending her signature nuanced theatrical tones with the orchestra’s vibrant sound. Singing alongside the Basie band felt like a natural fit for Silver, allowing her to elevate her vocal delivery without losing touch with her musical roots.
Known for her emotive and nuanced vocal style, Silver’s training with renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs enabled her to find her unique blend of belt and head voice, focusing more on stirring emotions than hitting high notes. Her album Glitter & Grits exemplifies this blend, channeling sultry and playful tones with a hint of mischief, capturing a warm, inviting essence reminiscent of a dusty Texas sunset.
Collaborating on a rock-based jazz project with iconic musicians like Bill Frisell, Arturo Sandoval, and Peter Frampton, Silver aimed to breathe new life into classic rock songs through the lens of jazz standards. By reinventing and honoring both genres equally, Silver avoided the pitfall of creating a gimmicky crossover album, focusing instead on authenticity and artistry.
Steve Jordan, the seasoned drummer and producer behind Basie Rocks!, brought a wealth of experience and musicality to the project. His mantra of “it’s gotta be cool” guided the album’s direction, ensuring a tasteful and authentic exploration of jazz and rock fusion. Recognizing Silver’s dedication to jazz and her commitment to the project, Jordan enlisted the Count Basie Orchestra to infuse the album with their legendary sound, transforming vintage rock classics into rich, big band arrangements.
With a team of talented arrangers, handpicked by Scotty Barnhart, the Orchestra’s director, Basie Rocks! breathes new life into familiar rock tunes, enhanced by Silver’s spirited vocals. Jordan’s collaboration with renowned musicians like Pedrito Martinez and Arturo Sandoval on tracks like “Paint It Black” underscores the album’s innovative approach, blending Latin flavors and jazz sensibilities with Silver’s captivating voice.
Basie Rocks! stands as a testament to Silver’s passion for music and her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries. By bridging the gap between rock and jazz, Silver and her collaborators have crafted a timeless and vibrant album that pays homage to both genres while showcasing Silver’s immense talent and versatility as a vocalist.