Altoist
Jim Snidero is the main soloist throughout this showcase, backed by ten strings (including violinist
Mark Feldman) and assisted by pianist
Renee Rosnes.
Snidero did all of the arranging and contributed six of the pieces, including his three-part "River Suite." Although there are variations in the tempos,
Snidero is at his best on ballads where his lyrical style and attractive sound are well-featured. The strings are integrated well into the music, the melodies are generally strong, and
Jim Snidero balances a style influenced a little by
Sonny Stitt with some post-bop improvising. This is one of his finest recordings to date. ~ Scott Yanow