Jim Snidero Music Of Joe Henderson CD

On alto saxophonist Jim Snidero's second Double Time release, he pays tribute to tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson by gathering trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, trombonist Conrad Herwig, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Dennis Irwin, and drummer Kenny Washington to play eight Henderson originals. The sextet plays on five of the eight compositions; the others are performed by Snidero and the rhythm section. Snidero, who has played in the groups of Jack McDuff, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Eddie Palmieri, displays a bright sound and an urgency in his playing, sometimes reminiscent of Cannonball Adderley. He also arranged all of the compositions on this recording. Highlights include the sextet's takes on "If" and a slower-than-usual version of "Serenity" that features Magnarelli's muted trumpet, the soulful blues "Step Lightly" and a heartfelt reading of "Black Narcissus" by Snidero and the rhythm section. This is a fine tribute to one of the great musicians of the Blue Note era. ~ Greg Turner

Jim has been a long time fan of tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson - here, he pays tribute to the man with the help of 6 of N.Y.C.'s finest established jazz musicians - Conrad Herwig, Joe Magnarelli, David Hazeltine, Dennis Irwin & Kenny Washington

Recorded at the Van Gelder Recording Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on December 21 & 22, 1998. Includes liner notes by Zan Stewart.

Personnel: Jim Snidero (alto saxophone); Joe Magnarelli (trumpet); Conrad Herwig (trombone); David Hazeltine (piano); Kenny Washington (drums).

Liner Note Author: Zan Stewart.

Recording information: Rudy Van Gelder Studio (12/21/1998/12/22/1998).

Editors: Jim Snidero; Rudy Van Gelder.

Photographer: Gildas Boclé.

Personnel: Jim Snidero (alto saxophone); Joe Magnarelli (trumpet); Conrad Herwig (trombone); Dave Hazetine (piano); Dennis Irwin (bass); Kenny Washington (drums).

Down Beat (8/00, p.76) - 4 stars out of 5 - "Alto sax virtuoso Snidero and an individualistic A-list New York band cut to the chase on lyric reexaminations of 8 Henderson prime cuts....The proactive rhythms section finds perfect tempo to make each tune sing."
JazzTimes (3/00, pp.90-1) - "...a great date. Bold yet restrained, and ranging from the exotically brassy 'Punjab' to the contemplative 'Serenity' it provides a fresh look at the compositional span of the great Joe Henderson..."