1. Interface
2. Silhouette
3. Fall Out
4. One By One
5. Aperitivo
6. Viper
7. After the Pain
8. Expectations
Jim Snidero - Alto sax
Paul Bollenback - Guitar
Paul Gill - Bass
McClenty Hunter - Drums
Jim Snidero is a name I didn't recognise but he must be well established as he has already made 15 albums and played with such jazz icons as the Mingus Big Band, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Jack McDuff. On the opening title-track, Snidero solos in short bursts with a pungent tone, followed by Paul Bollenback, whose guitar is a great strength of this whole album - both in chorded accompaniments and characterful solos. Paul switches to and fro between electric and acoustic guitars, giving variety to the moods of the songs, which were all composed by Snidero.
The changing moods are illustrated by the quieter Silhouette, where Jim paces elegantly with a smoother tone. Bollenback's solo is equally placid. The atmosphere returns to powerful with Fall Out, where the guitar solo is intensely electric, backed by the propulsive bass and drums.
One By One opens with Spanish-flavoured acoustic guitar, followed by Snidero's unaccompanied alto. All members of the quartet exhibit self-control to give this track a stealthy impact. Aperitivo is a beguiling bossa nova, with Jim's saxophone swirling shimmeringly and Bollenback's guitar focusing more on the Latin-American element.
Viper is entirely different, starting with the alto squawking threateningly, after which the bass and drums lay down a firm beat. Paul Gill does a coruscating bass solo, Snidero's solo sounds almost angry, and Bollenback's solo displays his brilliant technique.
After the Pain was written after Jim Snidero's mother died and it movingly expresses his feelings. Bollenback uses the eternal spirit of the blues to convey sympathy. The closing Expectations takes some complex turns, with contorted chords.
I hadn't really noticed Jim Snidero before but I shall be listening out for him in future.
Tony Augarde
www.augardebooks.co.uk
CD Reviews
Savant SCD 2113
