From the Vault II: The Lost Chords and Stories

“Jeff Silverman’s memoir, ‘From the Vault II: The Lost Chords and Stories’ continues to follow the musician who learns that a song can wait decades for the right person to bring it back. His route begins with a backstage meeting with banjo player Billy Ray Lathum, whose friendship leads him toward Roger Miller, The Dillards, then a bluegrass recording that returns after Lathum’s death. Silverman’s guitar carries him into Rick Springfield’s band before Sound City makes him a studio regular. Motown later gives him a staff writer deal that sends lost songs into a long search for proof they still exist. In Nashville, old tapes become new releases through studio skill and kept promises. By the time those tapes return, Silverman turns unfinished work into a living claim on the present.”

“‘From the Vault II’ honors a musician who treats memory as a living creative responsibility. This is an extremely thoughtful memoir with a writing style that is warm and accessible.Silverman does an excellent job of balancing issues like the lost Motown catalog, where many songs seem missing from company files, with his private reaction to recovering work he once believed had vanished from reach. His story is worth reading now because it shows how art survives through stewardship. Readers see this when he rebuilds ‘Somewhere,’ originally written by Jeff Silverman and Aeone, first recorded by Aeone, and later produced by Jeff and Rick Springfield as a separate version for Rick’s ‘Sahara Snow’ album and ‘From The Vault I.’ Inspired by the technical path opened by the Beatles’ ‘Now and Then,’ ‘From The Vault II’ brings those two previously independent versions together for the first time as an entirely new duet. This memoir is perfect for readers drawn to music history, studio craft, and creative lives measured through a life of devotion. Very highly recommended.”

— Jamie Michele, Readers’ Favorite
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“I’m halfway through From The Vault II as I write this… and I can’t put it down.

Having known Jeff since our teenage years, I expected great stories. What I didn’t expect was how much I would relate to the journey itself. The successes, disappointments, friendships, and determination all come together in a way that’s honest and deeply human.

This isn’t just for music fans. It’s for anyone who’s ever chased a dream.

Highly recommended.”

— Robert P Malaniak, Founder, Lead Vocalist & Guitarist, Pipe Dreams

“I learned a lot about Jeff when I read his book. He has a remarkable story. There were so many things I didn’t know about him. He doesn’t brag about himself, so it was wonderful to learn more about his journey.”

“Jeff has been an abiding source of wisdom and deft production skills that have informed and guided me over the last decade. I am a drastically better producer because of Jeff, and I have learned so much from him.”

— Grant Maloy Smith, Billboard Top 10 Recording Artist & Songwriter