PAUL SILBERGLEIT TRIO

THE STILLNESS OF JULY

Calligram Records

Paul Silbergleit, guitar/composer; Clay Schaub, bass; Devin Drobka, drums.

Milwaukee-based guitarist, Paul Silbergleit opens his debut trio album with an original composition called “How Shallow the Duck Pond” that is the opposite concept of his inspiration for this tune, the old standard “How Deep is the Ocean.”  Right from the beginning, the slow-swinging tune mirrors Silbergleit’s keen sense of humor. His song melody, composed on the basis of chord changes from this familiar standard, sound nothing like the original inspiration. His technique and groove set the mood.  Bassist, Clay Schaub takes an improvised solo, skipping along the double bass strings with precision and freedom. Then comes Devin Drobka, trading fours with the other two members of the trio and showing off his obvious percussion skills.

Silbergleit has recorded four full-length albums, but not a trio project. His first recording was “Siberglicity” in 1996, a play on his last name. Next came “January” released in 2019 followed by “The Hidden Standard” in 2020.  The publication, All About Jazz lists an album called “My New Attitude” as one of Silbergleit’s critically acclaimed releases.  On this album, he reimagined pop tunes with jazzy arrangements.

Now, on the Calligram label he releases “The Stillness of July” that features several of his original compositions and his unique take on ‘cover’ tunes like “Summer Soft,” a Stevie Wonder composition from Stevie’s 1976 album, “Songs in the Key of Life.”

They shuffle “Getting To Know You” across my listening room. The arrangement makes me wish for a partner to swing dance.  Ahmad Jamal’s famous “Poinciana” tune comes next, with Paul Silbergleit excelling on his impressive guitar solo.  There is something for everyone on this album, from Stevie Wonder to the Charlie Parker’s composition “Bongo Beep.” Bassist, Clay Schaub contributed an improvisational introduction and a coda during the Parker arrangement.

Paul Silbergleit is very attentive to his trio partners, offering each one ample time to showcase their individual talents and using subtle dynamics to support them.  All the while, he gives the listener 100% of himself during creative and exciting guitar solos that show his mastery and love of the instrument.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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