Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Bob Sneider and Joe Locke Film Noir Project: Fallen Angel

The Bob Sneider and Joe Locke Film Noir Project: Fallen Angel

By Dr. Judith Schlesinger
April 8, 2006
Sign in to view read count

The Bob Sneider and Joe Locke Film Noir Project: Fallen Angel

This music is as subtle and nuanced as the shadows in an old black-and-white movie. Like the film noir that inspired it, Fallen Angel is romantic and jaded, beautiful and cynical, and full of longing and disappointment, all at the same time. The material is excellent: vibraphonist Joe Locke's "Fallen Angel" and pianist Paul Hofmann's "Last Kiss" blend seamlessly into the mood, while the arrangements ensure that the dark, velvety spell continues, regardless of tempo. There isn't a jarring note anywhere in the mix, which is so well-designed that it's nearly a song cycle.

Some great film composers are represented, including the underrated Dave Grusin (two tracks), and arguably the greatest of them all, Jerry Goldsmith. His "Chinatown" theme is quintessential film noir, given perfect expression here by John Sneider's luminous trumpet, and his "Katya" has never been more haunting than in Joe Locke's solo take.

What elevates this CD from a well-executed novelty to a memorable collection is the band. Bob Sneider shines whenever he steps forward, and his duo with Hofmann on "Last Kiss" underscores the talents of both. Tenorist Grant Stewart conjures the ghost of Robert Mitchum with his swooping lead on "Farewell, My Lovely." Drummer Mike Melito and bassist Phil Flanigan both have big ears, fine technique, and impeccable taste—their contributions are crucial to making this recording work as well as it does.

And boy, does it work. I listened to it eight times through today, one spin right after another, and never got bored. I also realized that this recording, while a fitting tribute to film noir, finally departs from it: although there's always danger lurking in those movies, this music has a soothing and sensuous effect. It's wonderful stuff.

Track Listing

Fallen Angel; Chinatown - Theme; Les Modernes; Katya; Promenade Sentimentale; Theme from Mulholland Falls; Body Heat; A Farewell to Maria; Last Kiss; Farewell, My Lovely; Hurricane Country.

Personnel

Bob Sneider

guitar

Bob Sneider: guitar; Joe Locke: vibraphone; Paul Hofmann: piano; John Sneider: trumpet; Grant Stewart: tenor saxophone; Paul Flanigan: bass; Mike Melito: drums.

Album information

Title: Fallen Angel | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Sons of Sound

< Previous
Live at The Montreux Jazz Festival 1983

Next >
Metamorphosis

Comments

About Bob Sneider

Instrument: Guitar

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.