Looking Forward/Looking Back marks both a point of departure and a point of return for singer, songwriter, arranger, producer Jeff Silver. Although he started out writing for himself as a performer, he has also composed for musical theater, advertising jingles, corporate video and been part of the Nashville country music machine. Ultimately, however, he felt the need to start writing from (and for) his own heart again. Looking Forward/Looking Back is the result of that effort. In many ways, this project could not be more appropriately titled. There are songs that reflect major events in Silver’s life, like “Already Gone” about his mother’s long-term illness and death in 2007, and “Fly Away Home,” which looks to the future as he gives advice to his daughter. The change in his musical focus can also be heard in the contrast between songs influenced by time spent in Nashville, like “No Way, No How” and “Pulls My Trigger,” and the musical sophistication and soulfulness of “Rise Above” and “If I Had a Gun.” This CD presents a truly diverse range of material for those who enjoy variety, thoughtful lyrics and expertly crafted, well-performed songs. If Looking Forward/Looking Back chronicles part of one singer/songwriter’s journey, listeners will be extremely pleased to hear about where he’s been and where he’s headed.