Search - Jim Snidero :: Close Up

OK, but falls short of expectations - 3.5 stars

John Tapscott | Canada | 11/21/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Having been strongly by impressed by two previous Snidero CD's (Plays the Music of Joe Henderson on Double-Time and Storm Rising on Ken), I had high expectations for Jim's latest CD, Close-Up. But while this is a decent CD, it also falls somewhat short of expectations. Certainly the band is top-notch with altoist Snidero joined in the front row on five tracks by the tenor star Eric Alexander, and backed by the stellar rhythm section of David Hazeltine, Paul Gill, and Billy Drummond.



The CD is well-recorded and the playing and soloing is at a high level of competence throughout. Yet the music catches fire only on occasion. The general level of restraint is transcended on several tracks, most notably on the quartet reading of "I Should Care" where both Snidero and Hazeltine shine. Snidero's samba-like "Windswept" is a fine track, as is "Blues for the Moment" and "Smash." But on tracks like "Close Up", "Nippon Blue", and "Reality" the inspiration level seems a bit lower than expected. Six of the eight compositions are by Snidero, and they are well thought out and generally attractive vehicles for improvisation. But perhaps the players were holding back a bit in order to get Snidero's somewhat tricky originals "right" in a short period of time. Drummond, in particular, sounds more restrained than usual, and Alexander has been heard to better advantage elsewhere.



Snidero's alto solos have a nice sense of flow and shape. His high and light sound has more in common with Paul Desmond or perhaps the 70's and '80's generation of alto players, than with the Phil Woods/Cannonball Adderley sound and style.



Once again, this a good CD overall, but those new to Jim Snidero might want to start with one of his earlier releases.

"

The Post By "A Kid's Review" Should Be Deleted!!!

Christopher M. Bronsal Jr. | Rialto, CA USA | 03/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do NOT listen to the review titled "Rip Off" (November 24, 2004). It is very obvious that this kid doesn't listen to jazz music by complaining:



"15 bucks for 8 songs ?? Is it any wonder people are "stealing" music off of the internet, I think I am going to start also."



NewsFlash: Any average jazz song is 6-10 minutes long!



Well, now that is out of the way, how about does the CD sound?

Jim Snidero's playing is smart, but not flashy, in the look how high I can squeal or, I can play 32nd notes at 220bpm. Jim gets in the groove and just swings along nicely. Eric Alexander is one of my 5 favorite (living) Tenor players, and his tone is to die for!!! The rhythm section is very complimentary for the horns, great job guys! This is some great straight-ahead jazz, folks...

Christopher"