Larry Goldings & John Sneider: Chinwag

Titled Chinwag (a long and pleasant conversation between friends), this album is more than just a musical tête-à-tête; it is a melodic rendezvous between two old pals, keyboardist Larry Goldings and trumpeter John Sneider. These guys go way back—think of the '90s New York music scene, club-hopping at Augie's and the Village Gate, soaking up bebop and electronic vibes like seasoned connoisseurs.

Goldings, the keyboard maestro now stationed in sunny LA, brings a kaleidoscope of styles to the mix. His stage presence? Iconic. His studio wizardry? Legendary. Meanwhile, Sneider, the trumpeter extraordinaire, has been blowing minds with his hard bop releases, like 2021's The Scrapper (Cellar), where Goldings joined him on the organ.

The idea of a duet record had been simmering for years, inspired by jazz legends Doc Cheatham and Sammy Price, Goldings had a vision: revive the duo format with a fresh twist.

The opening track, "Laugh Clown Laugh," sets the tone—playful yet poignant, with Sneider's mellifluous phrasings dancing around Goldings' piano, conjuring a musical séance. Then comes Eubie Blake's "Love Will Find a Way," a love song wrapped in a jazz embrace, with Sneider crooning through his trumpet like a smooth operator.

Thelonious Monk's classic "In Walked Bud" gets a shiny organ makeover courtesy of Goldings, while Sneider lays down some bold improv. And with W.C. Handy's "Hesitation Blues," it is a nod to the Cheatham and Price legacy, infused with their own signature flair. However, Sneider's "Sepia" takes us on a journey through unison choruses and sassy horn parts. Goldings adds his curvy synth notes, creating an intriguing abstract undercurrent without sacrificing the tuneful and catchy hook.

In conclusion, Chinwag is not just an album—it is a musical adventure that takes the listener on a joyride through the vibrant landscape of jazz. With its infectious rhythms, masterful performances, and a dash of witty charm, Goldings and Sneider invite us to sit back, relax, and let the music do the talking.