SILKSCREEN PRODUCTIONS Presents

It's always a pleasure listening to a live set of smooth jazz sax man Ray Silkman. Saturday, Feb. 10th at Close-Up 2 (416 S. Clark) was no exception. Although it was cold and frigid outside, Silkman had the capacity crowd inside hot and torrid. Playing with a valiant spirit, Silkman's sidemen whipped up an interactive whirlwid behind him. If you have yet to check out this brilliant, energetic saxophonist, you owe it to yourself to do so as soon as possible (www.raysilkman.com)Silkman's spirit is uplifting and can be felt throughout the room.

During this particular set, Ray was joined by longtime bassist Paul Richmond and drummer Hamisi Jackson, along with Tim Gant on the keyboard. Gant, a gifted pianist, demonstrated throughout the evening his solo ability, with strong phrasing that was built on rapid-fire lines and repeated licks with fleet-fingered fluidity. Bassist Richmond, as always, was very cool and stoic as he played deep bass tones with ease. Richmond has been playing with Silkman for many years and is a perfect complement to Ray's signature driving and bold attack of each note.

Silkman, playing either smooth love ballads, or covering tunes of the late, great Grover Washington, Jr., is alwayscharismatic and easily connects with his audience. This evening, Silkman had the crowd on its feet all night long. Most performers rely on the feedback of the viewers for their energy. Tonight, Close-Up 2 was flowing with fire and exuberance. It was a pleasure to see this room full of life.

Silkman opened Close-Up 2 in the fall in front of a sparse audience. If tonight was an indication, this downtown venue is here to stay. It's cozy, with lot of charm, and just the place for a downtown, after-work group, or those discriminating smooth jazz fans looking for a new and exciting venue. Check it out, you won't regret it (www.closeup2jazz.com).

"Ray Silkman is sure to go places, I can feel his music"

"We have never seen the kind of response to a Jazz record as the one we have seen to Ray Silkman's So Saxual, whenever we play the song, the phones just light up with people asking, who is that and where can I get that song?"

Silkman's phrases are clear and crisp.His style is rich and vibrant.Once under his spell, he marches you through some difficult sax tricks including the dreaded multiphonic technique and quartertones filled with luscious melodic grooves and tender passages.His constant attack on improvisations with ease makes one wonder whether playing the streets of 'The Windy City' refined his breathing or whether he has a mini-oxygen tank concealed in his wrinkle-free jacket to aid him in holding the notes...a performance of formidable presence, charisma, eloquence -- Midwest Showcase, March 1999