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Snitzer, Andy: Traveler

Saxophone virtuoso Andy Snitzer has forged a name for himself as an outstanding studio musician having played with the likes of Elvis Costello, Aretha Franklin, Beck and countless others. He is also a fine songwriter and composer and has had a successful solo career starting with Ties That Bind released in 1994. In 1999 he released Some Quiet Place, his last studio release until this year and his brand new CD Traveler.

Snitzer is a stellar saxophone player which he so ably demonstrates throughout Traveler. His tenor and soprano saxophones shape these ten tunes, carrying the melody whilst adding colour and varying degrees of texture. He is the kind of player one never gets tired of listening to. To say this is an easy listen is an understatement. The sound is smooth, contemporary jazz with underlying doses of electronica scattered throughout. It is a subtle approach but it proves to be a great fit as the two genres intertwine seamlessly. Of course it helps to have a decent band and the rest of the players hold their own nicely. Special mention should be made of the outstanding contributions of Tim Lefebvre, David Finck, and James Genus on bass. Their fluid lines and deeply rich grooves propel these songs at just the right pace.

Songs like "Bohemia" and "Lausanne" offer a hint of electronica with smooth jazz sounds with the latter featuring a crystal clear sax groove. "Marseille" carries a lighter Latin feel while the pretty ballad "Earth From Above" has an almost spacey element, especially in the background synths. The album's last song is the excellent "Covenant" with perhaps Snitzer's strongest sax work yet. His playing here is breathtaking as is the fine bass of Genus.

All fans of contemporary jazz looking for something just a little different should look no further than Traveler. I for one really enjoyed it and I think you will too.


Track Listing:
1. Marseille (5:11)
2. Bohemia (3:56)
3. Lausanne (3:54)
4. Love Song (4:59)
5. Taking Off (4:56)
6. Traveler (5:27)
7. Mystique (4:52)
8. Veru (4:44)
9. Earth From Above (5:33)
10. Covenant (4:43)

Added: June 5th 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2002
Language: english

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