Eric Schneider's career started with a bang as a teenager, as his recording debut (at the age of 16) took place with
Earl Hines on piano. This follow-up session, also for Gatemouth, was recorded a year later with a rhythm section consisting of veterans
Barry Harris and
Mel Lewis, as well as another promising young player, bassist
Kelly Sill. Primarily sticking to standards and classic jazz compositions, Schneider displays technique on both tenor sax and alto sax that is very impressive for his age, turning the heads of veteran players like
Major Holley,
Walter Bishop, Jr.,
Harold Ashby,
Sammy Price, and
Ram Ramirez, all of whom are quoted after hearing him in blindfold tests conducted by liner note writer
Phil Schaap. Of course, any talented player would be delighted to have the accompaniment of
Barry Harris, but Schneider is no mere wannabe who just schmoozed his way into a record date. Highlights include his intimate duet on alto sax with
Harris of "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Eric's Alley," a high-energy reworking of the chord changes to "I Got Rhythm," featuring the leader on tenor sax. Although Schneider went on to record two LPs with
Count Basie, he has done very little recording since 1983. This long out of print album is well worth acquiring. ~ Ken Dryden