Discography

1. 70’s Rocker: Just Playing Tag

about this track:

I wrote this “Prog Rock” song in 2016. Writing lyrics has always been a difficult quest for me. I have friends that compose songs by first writing the lyrics THEN the music. That process is as foreign to me as getting my body waxed.

I first develop a chord pattern on my guitar, then come up with a vocal melody. Eventually a nonsense pattern of words evolves from my unconscious, which forms the “hook.” Then from that hook I force myself to write the rest of the lyrics supporting the hook which over time is ever changing. When I play I get images or actions like videos usually not related to the lyrics. This creates a “mood” for me which leads me to my arrangements. And know you know the rest of the story.

So this song was great fun for me because, well, no lyrics and instead envisioned soloists playing tag. It felt 70’s to me…thus the song title.

track credits:
Larry starts the song on his ’75 Aria A-556 Classical later switching to his Gibson ES-345. Paul Lamb is tagged playing a riff on his Fender Precision Bass who tags Paul Spina who drives the song using his Pearl Masters Custom Drums. Paul tags Jan Purat catches his Jonathan Cooper#326 5-string Violin on fire. I told him I wanted Ponty-like riffs…How’d he do? Jan tags Greg Sankovich who whips out his ’59 Hammond C3 like the pro that he is then slaps a tag on his buddy Lincoln Adler who is no stranger to his Selmer Tenor Sax. Jan and Lincoln dance thru the bridge which hands everything off to Josh Yenne on his ‘62 Epiphone Grenada Electric Lead Guitar. Finally, Josh and Jan joyfully spar thru the outro showered with triplets in the background and ending in a “70’s long slow fade out.”

2. Cuando Eso Pasa [When That Happens]

about this track:

Composed in 2010, this Latin Jazz song is the story of two people who become infatuated with each other [Part A]. It is a “new love” with all the emotional and tactile sensations and unspoken words (flute) one would expect.

Then in Part B (lasting 36 measures,) the relationship moves into a non-lyrical transition that is an unclear emotional direction. One in which commitment or no commitment are addressed. In this story one person wants more than the other. We all must choose are own path. To leave, to resent, to stay, or to accept.

In this song the person that wants more accepts and in Part C lyrically vocalizes their acceptance of the imbalance proclaiming “When that happens, tell me when you’re ready for love. I can wait as long as it takes.” And even after three solos the person reaffirms their acceptance with a repeat of the same verse.

Often when I listen to or write music I see scenes kinda like movies or videos. At the end of the song the singer sings her last 2 lines. This was my vision: The setting is an old New York Brooklyn, New York “row house” with stairs leading up to the entrance. At the bottom of the stairs, street level, is a dimly lit street light. The singer and her “Corazón” walk up the stairs. They gesture good night and her love enters the apartment. As she sings her last to lines, she walks down the stairs to stand next to the street light contemplating her day. Then, as the song ends she walks away from the street light into darkness illustrated when Lincoln Adler plays his last note on tenor sax as it fades into breath. Truly a beautiful cliche.

track credits:

Nehal Abuelata: Lead Vocals
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Eric Folsom: Ibanez Portamento Fretless Bass
Bruce Campbell: Yamaha Maple Absolute 5-piece Drums
Mingo Lewis Jr: Congas & Timbales
Greg Sankovich: ‘27 Steinway A3 Grand Piano
Lincoln Adler: Selmer Tenor Sax
Matt Silva: Godin Multiac Nylon Guitar
Larry Silveira: ’75 Aria A-556 Classical Guitar, Guiro

3. I’m Not That Dirty

about this track:
Composed in 2013, this Swing Jazz song is one of my favorites and features Eric Folsom [Bass], Bruce Campbell [Drums], Larry Silveira [Gibson ES-345] AND Steve Nakano [Alto Sax], Lincoln Adler [Tenor Sax], Ryan McCray [Trombone], Jacob Cabral [Trumpet], and the unusual addition of flute by Ken “the Beav” Deaver to top off this 5 piece horn section. Everyone gets a solo including Greg Price [Guitar] and Greg Sankovich on ’27 Steinway A3 Grand Piano. Vocals provided by the gifted Nehal Abuelata with a little help from all the boys at the end. That’s right, a 11-musician tune!

track credits:
Nehal Abuelata: Lead Vocals
Eric Folsom: Ibanez Portamento Fretless Bass
Bruce Campbell: Yamaha Maple Absolute 5-piece Drums
Greg Sankovich: ‘27 Steinway A3 Grand Piano
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute, Backup vocals
Lincoln Adler: Selmer Tenor Sax, Backup vocals
Jacob Cabral: NY Bach Stradivarius Trumpet, Backup vocals
Ryan McCray: Olds Studio Trombone, Backup vocals
Steve Nakano: Cannonball Big Bell Alto Sax, Backup vocals
Greg Price: Gibson BB King Lucille Guitar [Lead]
Paul Lamb: Backup Vocals
Larry Silveira: Gibson ES-345, Backup vocals

4. Standing In Line With You

about this track:
I composed this Contemporary Jazz puppy in 2013

I actually like the lyrics I wrote for this song. It shows the angst that some youth go thru needing to take action in the digital age.

I have it all boarded out so in the near future I will release a music video of this song.

track credits:
Genji Nakano: Lead and Harmony Vocals
Paul Lamb: Mexican Jazz Bass
Paul Spina: Pearl Masters Custom Drums
Greg Sankovich: ‘78 Fender Rhodes Mk I Suitcase
Matt Silva: Michael Gardener Telecaster Guitar[Lead]
Larry Silveira: ’75 Aria A-556 Classical Guitar

5. I Don’t Know

about this track:
I composed this song in 2016.
It is primarily a Afro-Brazilian Latin Jazz Samba style instrumental with a “surprise” vocal ending. This song sets the stage with the Matt’s wondrous support of a classical guitar solo, Bruce’s amazing drums, Paul’s steady bass drive, Mingo’s sweet percussion, and Greg’s grand piano. Ken and Steve, on flute and alto sax play the melody in unison. Then, the second time around the sax plays a diatonic third harmony during the chorus. The keyboard tastefully leads the group thru the bridge followed by classical guitar and alto sax solos. At the end you’re in for a real treat as Shawna adds a whole new dimension to this tune. I like how the song fades out.

track credits:
Shawna Hervé: Lead and Harmony Vocals
Bruce Campbell: Yamaha Maple Absolute 5-piece Drums
Paul Lamb: Mexican Jazz Bass
Greg Sankovich: ‘27 Steinway A3 Grand Piano
Steve Nakano: Cannonball Big Bell Alto Sax
Mingo Lewis Jr: Congas, Timbales
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Matt Silva: Godin Multiac Nylon Guitar [Lead]
Larry Silveira: ’75 Aria A-556 Classical Guitar

6. Jade

about this track:

I composed this Contemporary Jazz song in 2015.

There is no greater love than the love a father has for his daughter. The picture included for this track is my favorite! It shows the essence of Jade; her innocence and joy for life. For many years my wife and I owned a video production business having recorded well over 200 weddings. A tear would come to my eye every “Father-Daughter Dance.” Which is why this song focuses on wanting to dance with her. This song has another 5 piece horn section and electric guitar and tenor sax solos. This is an “open” song with several brief motifs sharing the musical space but avoiding stepping on others feet. Genji’s voice and harmonies are perfect.

This song has the most musicians used in a single track: 16

track credits:
Genji Nakano: Lead and Harmony Vocals
Nehal Abuelata: Backup Vocals
Eric Folsom: Ibanez Portamento Fretless Bass
Paul Spina: Pearl Masters Custom Drums
Mingo Lewis Jr: Bongos
Lincoln Adler: Selmer Tenor Sax
Greg Sankovich: ‘78 Fender Rhodes Mk I Suitcase & ’59 Hammond C3
Matt Silva: Michael Gardener Telecaster Guitar[Lead]
Jacob Cabral:NY Bach Stradivarius Trumpet
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Steve Nakano: Cannonball Big Bell Alto Sax
Ryan McCray: Olds Studio Trombone
Jan Purat: Jonathan Cooper#326 5-string Violin
Steve O’Rourke: Backup Vocals
Veronica Giles: Backup Vocals
Larry Silveira: Gibson ES-345, Backup Vocals

7. My Dog Fuji

about this track:

I composed the song in 2009.
Fuji is my 13 year-old Chihuahua/terrier mix fur baby. The song just came to me. It is the only country-like song I have written. Since Fuji wants to rid a school bus I made it a kids song. [Also the only kids song I have written.] So when I stated to record the song I found 5 kids including my grandson Benny to record for me. Now Benny was a little young but at his age then the word “No” reflexively flowed from his lips. This tune features Mike Lounibos on vocals, Jan Purat on violin, Josh Yenne on pedal steel guitar, and of course the kids, Cyrus, Kyle, Maddox, Quentin, and Benny.

track credits:
Mike Lounibos: Lead Vocals
Josh Yenne: Show Pro Pedal Steel Guitar
Bruce Campbell: Yamaha Maple Absolute 5-piece Drums
Paul Lamb: Mexican Jazz Bass
Jan Purat: Jonathan Cooper#326 5-string Violin
Greg Sankovich:‘27 Steinway A3 Grand Piano
Cyrus Ghazi-Moghaddam: Backup Vocals
Kyle Ghazi-Moghaddam: Backup Vocals
Maddox Leon: Backup Vocals
Quentin Leon: Backup Vocals
Benicio Kal-El Mayorquin
Larry Silveira: Guild D-25CH

8. We’re The Same Different Kind

about this track:
Composed in 2014
This rock song features the soulful voice of Veronica Giles, the lead guitar chops of Greg Price, the smooth solo of Greg Sankovich on C3, the steady beats from Bruce Campbell, and of course my 5 piece horn section. Veronica sings of a love between two people who while very different complete each other in a tough world.

Note: the lyrics include 3 homophones intended to add tension in the relationship [two words that sound the same but have different meanings.]

track credits:
Veronica Giles: Lead Vocals
Greg Price: Gibson BB King Lucille Guitar [Lead
Paul Lamb: Mexican Jazz Bass
Bruce Campbell – Yamaha Maple Absolute 5-piece Drums
Mingo Lewis Jr: Congas
Lincoln Adler: Selmer Tenor Sax
Greg Sankovich: ’59 Hammond C3
Jacob Cabral:NY Bach Stradivarius Trumpet
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Steve Nakano: Cannonball Big Bell Alto Sax
Ryan McCray: Olds Studio Trombone
Larry Silveira: Guild D-25CH

9. Michael’s Song

about this track:
Composed this Jazz Ballad tune in 2018 for my friend, Michael.
It features the lovely voice of Nehal who by the way is tri-lingual and sings a line in this song in French. Paul Spina came up with a way of using brushes on his drums while Paul Lamb on bass and Greg on Rhodes piano provide the mortar for the song. Also of note are the solos of Ken on flute, Jan on violin, Brendan on alto sax, Matt on electric guitar, and with a special visit from my godson, Austin, on steel string guitar.

This song feels simple but has great complexity in form. The lyrics suggest a conversation with an angel who encourages Michael to let go and move on.

track credits:
Nehal Abuelata: Lead Vocals
Brendan Buss: Selmer SA-80 Alto Sax
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Eric Folsom: Ibanez Portamento Fretless Bass
Austin Geiger: DXK2 Martin Guitar
Jan Purat: Jonathan Cooper#326 5-string Violin
Greg Sankovich: ‘78 Fender Rhodes Mk I Suitcase
Matt Silva: Michael Gardener Telecaster Guitar[Lead]
Paul Spina: Pearl Masters Custom Drums
Larry Silveira: ’75 Aria A-556 Classical Guitar, Shared Lead Vocals

10. Still Lovin’ You

about this track:
I’ve had several versions of this song which I originally composed in 2008 but the best is with this horn section, Paul on bass, Greg P. on lead guitar, Greg S on C3, Paul S. on drums, and featuring Lincoln Adler on Baritone Sax. The lyrics speak of a mature man…like me, who loves to play music with his girl by his side.

track credits:
Larry Silveira: Lead Vocals, Gibson ES-345 Guitar
Greg Price: ‘84 Custom SF Stars Strat Guitar [Lead]
Paul Lamb: Mexican Jazz Bass
Lincoln Adler: Yanagisawa Baritone Sax
Paul Spina: Pearl Masters Custom Drums
Mingo Lewis Jr: Congas
Lincoln Adler: Selmer Tenor Sax
Greg Sankovich: ’59 Hammond C3
Jacob Cabral:NY Bach Stradivarius Trumpet
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Steve Nakano: Cannonball Big Bell Tenor Sax
Ryan McCray: Olds Studio Trombone

11. Pop

about this track:

I composed this Hip Hopish tune in 2010.

The term “pop” was used meaning ingestion of the drug ecstasy. As a therapist working for the County of Santa Clara, I provided “school based” services a 2 high schools in the county. I noticed a rapid increase in teens us of Ecstasy [MDMA]. Kids were ingesting large doses and a few were dying. I set out to determine the use pattern by self-report anonymous questionnaire followed by a 30 minute presentation. The findings were alarming. Our early research of 2,400 teens from Santa Clara County Schools suggested that one in four teens in our community admitted to “ever use” of Ecstasy and well exceeding reports. We also concluded that teen substance use trends can change rapidly.

This led me to appeal for additional funds. I collaborated with various experts in the county’s including a colleague, a medical examiner, and others. I produced a 20 minute video and Music video with this song. I continued to evaluate and presented to over 5,000 high school students in the region as well as further presentations in San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington DC. BTW I did this in addition to my usual caseload and as a public servant for no additional money.

track credits:

This song was recorded at Prospect Studios
San Jose, CA 2010
Engineer: Greg Price

Christie Vrooman: Lead Vocals
Lydon George: Rap & Rap Doubles
Cheri Silveira: ‘80 Rickenbacker 4001 Bass
Wayne Baldwin: Nord Electro 2 Keyboard
Hal Dahlmeier: Pearl Drums
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Austin Geiger: Beatbox
Daryl Patrick: Yamaha Vibraphone & Percussion
Greg Price: Gibson BB King Lucille Guitar [Lead]
Bryan Barrow: Hofner Bass
Larry Silveira: ’75 Aria A-556 Classical Guitar

12. The Apple of My Eye

about this track:

Boy, this song requires a little explaining. Some have asked me, “Why did you write a memorial song for your wife Cheri? She’s still much alive.”

I am not fatalistic or pessimistic. But when you reach my age people you love die. It is the cycle of life. A few years ago my father who was my hero, my mother, my cousin, and my mother-in-law all died in a 6 month period. Likewise a friend died recently. I composed a song for each of them and and performed them at their funerals. But here’s the thing…none of them heard their song of celebration and honor because I wrote them after they died, So I decided I would not let that happen to the most important person in my life. My wife Cheri is my rock, my best friend, my muse, my lucky penny, and the Apple of My Eye. So I asked Cheri’s permission and she said, “OK.”

I get choked up everytime I play or listen to it. That doesn’t make it bad.

track credits:
Greg Sankovich: ‘27 Steinway A3 Grand Piano
Larry Silveira: ’75 Aria A-556 Classical Guitar, Lead Vocals

Bonus Track: Jade [Instrumental Version]

about this track:
This is the instrumental version and “Bonus Track” of track 6. The reason I have included it is because the song has so many separate interwoven riffs from Matt on his electric guitar, Mingo’s intermittent play on bongos, Greg on his Hammond C3 and Mark 1 Rhodes, Lincoln on Tenor sax, Jan’s Violin, and the 5-piece horn section that all become discernible without vocals.

track credits:

Eric Folsom: Ibanez Portamento Fretless Bass
Paul Spina: Pearl Masters Custom Drums
Mingo Lewis Jr: Bongos
Lincoln Adler: Selmer Tenor Sax
Greg Sankovich: ‘78 Fender Rhodes Mk I Suitcase & ’59 Hammond C3
Matt Silva: Michael Gardener Telecaster Guitar[Lead]
Jacob Cabral:NY Bach Stradivarius Trumpet
Kenny Deaver: ‘74 Gemeinhardt Flute
Steve Nakano: Cannonball Big Bell Alto Sax
Ryan McCray: Olds Studio Trombone
Jan Purat: Jonathan Cooper#326 5-string Violin
Larry Silveira: ’75 Aria A-556 Classical Guitar