Jim Snidero: San Juan

Good Vibrations. The vibraphone is a most unique instrument providing a most unique sound. Its presence in an ensemble can lend even the hottest group a bruised spice leaf sound, a floating essence, and a perfumed distillation of music. His contribution to the first four compositions, most particularly the title track, is considerable and understated, setting an overall mood of intelligence and warmth.

Brainy Music. Snidero is an adept composer and performer. He plays well with other cerebral players such as Hagans, making this collaboration a very successful (and enjoyable) one. His round, well-formed tone meshes well with Hagans’ slightly more aggressive attack. Taken as a whole this ensemble has produced a better than average Post Bop recording for a dependable foreign label with a reputation of recording and providing such music. Music such as this is always worth checking out.