Ray Silkman - Sound Check (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Smooth And Hypnotic

Renee | Southern California | 08/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Ray Silkman while browsing for some new jazz cd's on Amazon. I stumbled across the "free download" link and decided to see what was on there. While "surfing" some of the MP3 samples, I came across a name that I had never heard before....RAY SILKMAN!!! Not only did the name intrigue me but I was starving for some new jazz artists to experience so I clicked on Ray's downloads.I was in complete awe of his saxaphone talent! Right then and there, I decided to purchase his cd, "Sound Check"! I have listened to and have seen many jazz saxophonists in concert which include such greats as Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz, Boney James, Warren Hill, Najee, Steve Cole, Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows and more. I can compare Ray Silkman to these fabulous artists without hesitation! His jazz style and smooth sax sound is absolutely hypnotic!!!As I sit here and listen to his song "Islandskin", I can only hope that Ray Silkman can soon provide his fans with another cd VERY soon to quench our thirsty jazz soles!!"

This one is a winner

C.D. Jazz | Midwestern USA | 03/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening song's urgent departure to the final track's reluctant return, Sound Check, by Ray Silkman, has all the excitement of an evening out or a short vacation. "Back House" is reminiscent of moving effortlessly through traffic on a Friday evening, running smoothly through all five gears - occasionally touching but never fully stepping on the breaks - passing other cars with ease. Breezing through traffic, everyone else (perhaps listening to something else) stands still. A heavy funk envelops the city, as if Denny's had placed a dumpster on every corner; four minutes of crinkling my nose while bobbing my head. Happy, yet relieved, to have moved through it so quickly, I briefly consider going around the block, hoping to hear it again.Easing on to the freeway-or perhaps the outer drive where you live-"Sound Check" has the perfect nighttime feel. I settle in for a long comfortable drive as the magic of the city lights fades in my rear view mirror. A few minutes later, outside the city now, "So Saxual" has me thinking more about where I have been than where I am going. I have time to do both, of course; it is a nine-minute epic love song. "So Saxual" is replete with soulful mourning, regret, an apology of sorts for some long unforgotten transgression, affirmation, and finally: hope.Hope helps me drive on late into the night. That and the more optimistic "Dolores & Windy." It is lighthearted and fun; more of a see-you-soon song than a where-have-you-been song. A smaller city's lights are on the horizon now, dark behind, light ahead. While I found "So Saxual," a few minutes ago, introspective, "Lonnie & The Champ," written for and about Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, gives me perspective: the smaller city ahead compared to the larger one behind, my own small problems as compared to the larger ones of the world.With seemingly perfect timing, it strikes me that each can be made better by love and I find "Somebody's Love" particularly soothing. Still thinking as the hope and promise of "Changes" begins with a sudden thunderous crash of drums and organ, I am ready for a break from the saxophone, from this drive, and from this mindset entirely. This song - "Changes" - splendidly provides it. The saxophone is still there, as are my own challenges, but this woman's passionate voice and simple message, the backing choir, and that too-nasty-for-church organ are uppermost on my mind. "Changes" is part "Movin' On Up" (The Jeffersons theme song) of the new millennium and part exorcism of pain.Sometimes when exhaustion replaces adrenaline, there is an uneasy fitfulness about it. Too often, we wake up remembering how a dream ended rather than how it began. But tonight my dream is just beginning and I find the final song, "Islandskin," to be an easy and comfortable transition."

Hooked on Sax by Ray

Marilyn Johnson | Treasure Island, Florida | 11/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't get enough of Ray and the sax. Beautiful sound and feel from this man. Can't wait when and if the next great album comes out. Romantic and smooth and full of feeling! LOVE IT!"

Ray Silkman is a BAD BOY!!!!!!!

Jazz Lady | FL | 05/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While sitting in one room and playing the digital/cable lite jazz music station in another, a sensual sax song caught my attention. It was so strong that it pleasantly distracted me. Enough to jump up to insure that I got the name of the artist before it ended. What a blessing to have gotten that information!!! My search efforts on music sharing sites was like striking PLATINUM!!!!! I can't stop listening to this man. He's a BAD BOY!!! And the addition of Delbert Littlejohn brings out the best of two worlds. Especially on "SO SAXUAL". They meld like two old friends that have'nt seen each other in while and when they do you can tell that they really missed each other. And it's as if no time has passed...as if it was only yesterday that they last saw each other. They picked up right where they left off. Such a nice feeling to his music. He moves the listener through such a series of moods with each song that it is like having had a super day; one that included nothing but good things but mentally & physically exhausting. At the end of that day when you sit down to reflect on it's goodness, one feels blessed, lucky, scared, surprised.... so many emotions well up. But "it's all good"!!!!! And so is Ray Silkman. What a great addition to the world of music."

Soooooothing

Beverly Colar Credelle | Sauk Village, IL | 08/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After an extensive search for this CD I finally found it here on Amazon.com. Before purchasing this CD I use to hear one of the songs played on the radio. The song "So Saxual" was only played once a week at midnight on a local station. I fell in love with that song so I had to have it. Loving the song meant purchasing the CD. Purchasing the CD gave me the opportunity to hear more songs from this artist. For the smooth jazz collectors this CD is a must have. It contains a mixture of slow and upbeat tempo music. The song "So Saxual" should be labeled for lovers only..if you get my drift. However the entire CD is pleasing to the ear. Since obtaining this CD I have become a fan and follower of the artist. If Ray Silkman comes to your area definitely check him out because he gives a great show. Plus you would hear his music come to life."

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	Ray Silkman Sound Check Genre: Jazz Track Listings (11) - Disc #1 Back House Sound Check So Saxual Dolores & Windy Lonnie & The Champ Somebody's Love Ghost Town Park Lights Hot Spot Changes Islandskin Smooth jazz saxhophonist Ray Silkman's first national release.
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