By remaining loyal to the alto saxophone, Snidero has found his own voice on the instrument and brings this to bear in his chosen material.
Savant SCD 2224
Jim Snidero (alto saxophone); Peter Washington (bass); Joe Farnsworth (drums)
Recorded October 4, 2024
After, by his own admission, taking a long time before taking the plunge into playing in a trio setting sans chordal instrument, Snidero seems to relishing the setting. Staying with the format, and his chosen accomplices in Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth, and perhaps sticking his neck out a little further, the altoist has plumped for an album of tunes written by or indelibly associated with Charlie Parker.
With the excellent For All We Know released last year, Snidero recorded a set of standards with one solitary Parker composition thrown in for good measure, or maybe testing the water, in ‘Parker’s Mood’. Here the altoist has gone for it, and given it his all with impressive results.
Given his acknowledgement of his admiration for Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderley and Sonny Stitt, Bird has always been Snidero’s main man, and it has taken some nerve to tackle head on the music of his idol. The result is of course a resounding success, and Snidero acquits himself admirably.
While lauded for his alto sound, Snidero will be the first to admit that he sounds nothing like Parker, and nor would he wish to. By remaining loyal to the alto saxophone, Snidero has found his own voice on the instrument and brings this to bear in his chosen material.
The trio format also brings an additional sound to the familiar compositions as Parker would almost inevitably have a pianist or guitarist on his recordings, and this lack of a harmony instrument gives an air of space within the music however quick the tempo may be.
‘Ornithology’ is one such number that is taken at a brisk pace, but the altoist never falters, and even engages in a dialogue with drummer Joe Farnsworth; while the lesser known ‘Charlie’s Wig’ has some sinewy duet lines in the theme between Snidero and Peter Washington before easing into a relaxed swing.
As if featuring all compositions that were penned by Bird would feel a bit like an overload, Snidero also picks some tasty standards that were also favoured by Parker and these give a relief and variety in the programme that is refreshing,
‘These Foolish Things’ is given a tremendous workout, and the ballad becomes one of many highlights of the album. Snidero’s reading is carefully considered and his solo a model of patience, and ‘The Nearness of You’ is a sheer delight with Snidero’s sound full and round and full of passion.
Bird’s notorious version of ‘Lover Man’ is forever etched in the Parker legend and it is with this tune that the altoist concludes this fine album in a solo rendition that is as poignant as it is beautiful.
