Strings by Jim Snidero

21 Jan

Written by Morrice Blackwell
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Alto sax/flute player Jim Snidero decided that just playing jazz was not enough, he wanted something more, thus the album "Strings" came into being. Contemporary, bop, fusion and the like are difficult enough to conceive and carry out, what Snidero has done is combine his silky sax and flute playing with violins, violas and cellos, for a gorgeous backdrop to a sunny day in your living room or anywhere else that you decide to play this CD. Bob Blumenthal contributes eloquent liner notes explaining the process the artist went through and some of the emotions and circumstances of the period that helped to shape this project.

I really enjoy product from Fantasy, not only because I love the music, I know the liner notes are written with care and respect for the artist. When I am done reading, I will have an understanding of the music I am about to hear much more.

The "River Suites" are the nucleus of this recording. Everything seems purposefully built around it, thereby becoming an extension or continuation of that centerpiece. There are three extraordinary tracks titled "Dawn," "On The Bank," and "Torrent." As the titles implies, the music flows forth like a river with ever changing currents. The other songs that come after the suites are extensions of that. To draw a comparison would be to picture another river or branch forming from the main source. I find instrumental music very similar to the movements of the elements that surround us. It is a very spiritual energy-changing event listening to such beautiful music.

I must tip my hat to Mr. Snidero for his ambition and foresight to create something that must have been extremely challenging to see to its end. This album is one of the most relaxing and picturesque group of songs that I have heard in quite some time.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Jim Snidero
CD Title: Strings
Genre: BeBop / Hard Bop
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Milestone
Tracks: Slipping Away River Suite: Dawn River Suite: On the Bank River Suite: Torrent Theme for Ernie Forever Gone Ventura Its the Talk of the Town'
Musicians: Jim Snidero (Alto saxophone, flute), Renee Rosnes (Piano), Paul Gill(Bass), Billy Drummond (Drums), Laura Seaton (concertmaster), Mark Feldman (solo #4),Joyce Hammann,Cenovia Cummings, Paul Woodiel,Sue Lorenstien (Violins), Ralph Farris, Kenji Bunch (Violas), Thomas Ulrich (solo #2), Mary Wooten (written solos #3, 6) (Cellos);
Label Website: http://www.fantasyjazz.com
Rating: Five Stars