Jim Snidero - Up Close - Jazzmatazz review

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Jim Snidero
Up Close
(Milestone)

What distinguishes Close Up, the quartet (and sometimes quintet) offering from alto saxophonist Jim Snidero, is the fluidity of his play. Not since I first heard Frank Morgan have I found an alto saxophonist so in love with his instrument, and so eloquent in speaking through it. And Snidero beats out Morgan by knowing bop (his training under Phil Woods self-evident) and more modern voicings. "Close Up" is how he plays and how he expects one to listen—and his alto brings the listener right there.

This is "sometimes" a quintet recording because on five of the eight selections the altoist is joined by tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, himself undeniably eloquent, musical and far-reaching (listen to him on "Blues for the Moment," when Trane’s inflections and influences stand out). Their pairing brings the listener two strong horn voices. And when pianist David Hazeltine takes off as on the title cut, eschewing bar lines for a seamless, beyond meter play, the effect is arresting.

Maybe this is not a recording with a single remarkable composition, or a group that excels in interplay and constant interactive improvisation. But the music commands one to be attentive, and like a great set at a hot club on Saturday night it leaves one energized and impressed. — JULES EPSTEIN

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Jim Snidero: Up Close (Milestone)

Release Date: 12 October 2004

Personnel: Jim Snidero (trumpet); Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); David Haveltine (piano); Paul Gill (bass); Billy Drummond (drums)

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last update 22 October 2004

Jim Snidero Up Close (Milestone)

Jim Snidero
Up Close
(Milestone)