Personnel:
Jim Snidero (as, fl), Renee Rosnes (p), Paul Gill (b), Billy Drummond (d), Laura Seaton, Mark Feldman, Joyce Hammann, Genevia Cummings, Sue Lorentsen (vln), Ralph Farris, Kenji Bunch (vla), Thomas Ulrich, Mary Wooten (cellos)
Reference: MCD-9326
Bar code: 090204934065
For his 2003 Milestone debut, Jim Snidero presented Strings, framing his resonant alto saxophone and flute with ten strings and a top-shelf rhythm section on an ambitious program of original music.
The jazz press celebrated Snidero’s achievement. In Jazziz, Zan Stewart described the album as a “dramatic, intense and compelling recording… a masterful blend of composition, arranging, orchestration and improvising, unquestionably demonstrating that Snidero is a protean musician.” Mark Stryker of the Detroit Free Press noted that Snidero’s “alto and flute soar through a variety of tempos, textures and rhythms that transcend soloist-plus-strings clichés in favor of a more organic approach… his expressive sound and the honesty of his conception carry the day.” Herb Wong noted “Snidero’s capacious skills,” “lustrous use of color,” and “beautiful and emotionally transcendent solos.” “Captivating,” declared Will Friedwald in an end-of-the-year wrap-up in the New York Sun, while C. Michael Bailey from All About Jazz wrote, “Sumptuous… one of the finest recordings of the year.”
"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 (All Music Guide)
