Jim Snidero: Strings

The recording’s primary soloist, Snidero consistently radiates excitement and a beboper’s willingness to take risks on ballads (“Theme For Ernie,” “Forever Gone”) and upbeat material (“Slipping Away,” “Ventura”). These liberties are enhanced by the fact that he never allows the strings to become too dense or overly prominent—yet, his writing for the section is often full, lush, and beautiful. During “It’s The Talk Of The Town,” for example, they lay out for an entire chorus, then return and serve as a muted foil for the leader’s flight.

Another important factor in the recording’s success is an excellent, responsive rhythm section. Pianist Renee Rosnes (who contributes several fine solos), bassist Paul Gill, and drummer Billy Drummond are just right for Snidero’s elastic group conception, mixing a flowing, unforced sense of motion with more concentrated swing. Drummond, in particular, is brilliant. At times his brushes on the snare or a stick to the ride cymbal are barely audible; in other instances, like on “Torrent,” his persistent accents to the drums take charge and confront the ensemble and soloists.

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