December 2000

Jim Karolides/Lou Silvestri
Style Is Back in Style
Gumshoe Records

By Harvey Siders

If true grit were the only criterion for judging performance, this album would rank right at the top. Karolides is a remarkably talented singer who has overcome the worst possible obstacle-cancer of the vocal chords-and restyled his singing to accommodate even the rangiest standards. But an artist's courage does not guarantee enjoyment. Nor does the Satchmo-type personality Karolides projects. Pianist Lou Silvestri and his trio provide gently swinging support, but the songs are robbed of their intrinsic flow; melody is too important, though even nonstop improvisation wouldn't compensate.