RAPHAEL SILVERMAN
JAZZ GUITARIST
"Superb" - JazzTimes
"The depth of Silverman's lyricism is rare in such a young player" - New York City Jazz Record
About Raphael
At 25, guitarist Raphael Silverman is already a fixture in New York's straight-ahead scene.
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Born in NYC, his natural ability became apparent when he first picked up the guitar at age 13. Guided by a sharp ear and an informed taste, he sought out the mentorship of legendary guitarist Bobby Broom, whose guidance launched Raphael's playing to the next level of musicality and harmonic sophistication.
A recent graduate of Columbia University, he is plays and tours with Jazz greats. He plays in the bands of two legendary former Art Blakey Jazz Messengers, Philip Harper and Johnny O’Neal. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with greats like Eric Alexander, Johnny O'Neal, Peter Washington, Billy Drummond, Rodney Green, Philip Harper, Akiko Tsuruga, Jerry Weldon, Winard Harper, and many others.
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"He's got my heart...one of the best guitarists I've ever played with."
- Philip Harper, trumpeter and former Art Blakey Jazz Messenger
He leads Raphael Silverman Trio, and has played at renowned venues like Smalls, Mezzrow, Jazzcultural, Minton’s Playhouse, Ornithology, Jazz Forum, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and more. He has performed internationally in Europe, Qatar, and Singapore. "Raphael is a Downbeat Magazine award winner and received the Alicja Åšmietana Award at the Jarek Åšmietana International Jazz Guitar Competition. His music honors the roots of jazz while charting new directions.