Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
4 stars out of 4
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.
1. Slipping Away (Snidero) - 4:57
2. River Suite: Dawn (Snidero) - 7:06
3. River Suite: On the Bank (Snidero) - 7:39
4. River Suite: Torrent (Snidero) - 5:10
5. Theme for Ernie (Lacey) - 7:15
6. Forever Gone (Snidero) - 9:33
7. Ventura (Snidero) 6:58
8. It's the Talk of the Town (Heiburg/Livingston/Symes) - 7:10
Credits:
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
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