Jim Snidero – Waves of Calm – Savant 

by | May 24, 2019 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Jim Snidero – Waves of Calm – Savant SCD 2176 – 49:40 – ****:

(Jim Snidero – alto sax; Jeremy Pelt – trumpet; Nat Reeves – bass; Jonathan Barber – drums)

As we reach middle age, we all face the reality that our parents are approaching the time that they will become seriously ill, and often times pass away, before we are emotionally ready to deal with their deaths. Jazz musicians are increasingly dealing with this issue by expressing themselves in a musical form, to honor either their memory, or better yet while they are still alive, and facing serious health issues.

Alto saxophonist, Jim Snidero, who has been active on the scene for forty years, offers his heartfelt emotions regarding his father’s Parkinson’s Disease struggles, on his new CD for Savant Records, Waves of Calm. His quintet features noted trumpeter, Jeremy Pelt; pianist Orrin Evans (who now is a member of The Bad Plus, after the exit of Ethan Iverson); bassist, Nat Reeves; and drummer, Jonathan Barber.

The eight tracks consist of the title track, four ballads, and three originals. Keeping in mind his father, the ballads are soothing, relaxed, but not saccharine. Snidero takes his time, making effective use of space, letting his sensuous tone linger and sink in. The “less is more” sound space is effective, and does honor to his vision for this recording. The ballads are done in a trio setting, and Orrin Evans contributes in setting a reflective mood.

The numbers with Pelt are of higher energy, and help explore the darker side of this debilitating disease. When Evans contributes on the Rhodes, it opens up the tunes to a percolating fusion motif. There is some overdubbing with piano and Rhodes meeting, that really opens up new dimensions. “Truth” is a clear example with the alto/trumpet blending, and Nat Reeves’ bass providing the heartbeat. The acoustics, both here, and throughout the recording, are crisp and vibrant.

The liner notes indicate that “Dad Song” has a CTI influence from the 1970s, made popular by Freddie Hubbard, and you can clearly hear the polish and sheen that made CTI so popular back in the day.

“Visions” is perhaps the most aggressive track, and features drummer, Jonathan Barber, firing on all cylinders pushing the tune into darker territory. Evans enters and adds immediate spice. Jazz fusion fans will dig the closer, “Estuary” that will channel a Miles Davis like workout during the period with Chick Corea or Joe Zawinul.

I’ve been a fan of Jim Snidero since his early Criss Cross recordings. He has had a long career both as a musician, and as an educator with Indiana University and Princeton. His recent CD tribute to Cannonball Adderley (along with Pelt) was well received.

This new issue is an excellent mix of motifs and reflects well on his noted career, and is a heartfelt tribute to his father. Highly recommended…

Tracklist:
Waves of Calm
Truth
Old Folks
Visions
I Fall in Love Too Easily
Dad Song
If I Had You
Estuary

—Jeff Krow

 

 

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