Discography (as Leader)

Crossroads:
Brooklyn to Berkeley

Crossroads features the first release of all original compositions by Zilber since 2000’s Two Coasts, the Independent Music Awards Jazz Record of the Year finalist. Zilber is surrounded by the cream of the new acoustic generation in New York, bassist James Genus (Herbie Hancock, Mike Brecker, Dave Douglas, Chick Corea), drummer Clarence Penn (Mike Brecker, Dave Douglas, Maria Schneider) and pianist Bruce Barth (Terence Blanchard, Nat Adderly, MaxJazz). On two tracks, his mentor and long-time musical associate, jazz master David Liebman joins Zilber. This record is available now, exclusively via this website, in MP3 format for just 6 dollars. Listen to samples of the entire record, and download one of the tunes absolutely free!

Live at the Jazzschool:
Dave Liebman & Mike Zilber

Recorded live at The Jazzschool in Berkeley, this disc brings together a great band co-led by Michael Zilber and his mentor, jazz legend Dave Liebman. The band also features Paul Nagel on piano, John Shifflett on bass, and Scott Amendola on drums. From Andrew Gilbert’s liner notes:

“Rather than facing off in a saxophone duel, Liebman and Zilber address each other as fervent interlocuters, occasionally elaborating on each other’s phrases or commenting on a display of wit… It’s jazz at its freshest, an instructive display of saxophone virtuosity by musicians who are equally adept at imparting musical knowledge offstage.”

Reimagined:
Vol. 1 Standards

This is the CD released on Blue Jay Records by the Steve Smith–Michael Zilber quartet, featuring Paul Nagel on piano and John Shifflett on bass. 8-time Grammy-winner Michael Brecker says “An inspired and burning CD by Mike Zilber, Steve Smith and friends. Mike has chosen some familiar jazz standards and through the process scientifically known as ‘Zilberization’ has transformed them into new and refreshing compositions. Wonderful music.” This record is available now, and you can hear samples.

Two Coasts

This recording, which was a finalist for The INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS Jazz Record of the year, has work from three of Zilber’s favorite NYC musicians, James Genus, Rodney Holmes (Brecker Brothers, Wayne Shorter, Santana) and Rachel Z, as well as the first ever recorded duets between Zilber and drumming virtuoso Steve Smith (Steps Ahead, Vital Information, Journey). This recording is in print, and available for your listening enjoyment.

Stranger in Brooklyn

Michael’s second recording for Owl/EMI, was named one of the 30 best recordings of all time by jazzfusion.com. Produced by and featuring jazz master Dave Liebman, Stranger also showcased Zilber’s working New York band of James Genus (Brecker Brothers), Rachel Z (Wayne Shorter), and Tommy Igoe and was a Billboard Magazine pick of the month.

The Heretic

Michael’s first recording, for OWL/EMI, features Pat Metheny Sideman Danny Gottlieb on drums, along with Wayne Shorter’s keyboardist Gil Goldstein. The Title cut from The Heretic became the theme song for a national French Television program.