Saxophonist Andy Snitzer will soon release his first solo album in 12 years. His long-awaited album, Traveler is “a soulful and distinctly cosmopolitan new instrumental release steeped in richly textured electronica and dynamic urban grooves.”
The description above could not be more accurate. No stranger to the studio, Andy Snitzer has produced the Brecker Brothers, performed and recorded with The Rolling Stones and Paul Simon among his countless additional credits. Traveler calls upon his knowledge and experience in all of these settings. In addition to possessing his own impressive credentials, Andy Snitzer has enlisted an extraordinary line up of musicians for this project. Saxophonist David Mann is credited as Co-producer. Mann also plays flute, EWI and keyboards throughout the recording. Chuck Loeb and Chris Botti also lend a hand on guitar and trumpet respectively.
It is interesting to note that much of the music here with titles like Marseille, Lausanne and Taking Off represent pages in Andy Snitzer's travel book. He has logged many road miles with both The Stones and Paul Simon over the past couple decades. During that time, Snitzer has been a globetrotter with a laptop and has been accustomed to writing anywhere – even in trains, planes and automobiles.
The opening cut Marseille begins with some trippy sounds, almost like an electric toy piano, which lends way into an electronic samba of sorts. Snitzer’s signature tenor sound takes the understated, sustained melody. He quickly launches into a sweet altissimo high C# on the tenor which is just enough to let the listener know he has complete control over this instrument. The short solo section is followed by a breakdown and some clever studio tricks showcasing his ability to work the studio and its sonic playground.
Second in line is Bohemia, a spacey little number where Snitzer gets a chance to display his signature growl and spitting of notes – even if only for a moment. Later, he solos on tenor with great restraint and even more taste.
At least initially Snitzer shows restraint in his choice of notes and solo lines. This is particularly evident on Lausanne. At about 2 minutes into the song he plays a flurry of notes to presumably lead us into a ripping tenor solo – but alas we must wait. The solo spot is given to deserving pianist Alain Mallet. Snitzer finally heats it up a bit around 3 minutes in – if only for a moment.
Love Song exhibits a smoother, softer side of the tenor man’s persona. No rough edges here, just a relaxed groove to showcase some talented musicians. As he often does, Andy adds just a bit of edge – acoustic distortion if you will – at just the right moment.
Quite by contrast, the syncopated Taking Off pokes and prods the listener to settle in on a groove. Admittedly, I had to rewind this one a few times to find “one.” What was initially confusing became clever and funky after a couple listens. Mr. Snitzer stretches a bit for the first time here on Traveler.
The title cut retains a mainly acoustic quality, unlike many of the other tracks on Traveler. Bernd Schoenhart’s guitar adds an enchanting character not found on the previous tracks.
One of my favorite cuts is Mystique, featuring Chris Botti on muted trumpet and Andy Snitzer on soprano sax. In lesser hands, this can be a scary combination. Not here. The two compliment each other beautifully. The two horn players keep it inside for the most part, however they take a couple harmonic risks that add a bit of likeable tension for the mix.
The studio effects placed on Andy Snitzer’s tenor sax on Veru lend credence to the fact that this recording is “richly steeped in electronica.” The solo tenor sound is far less produced than the ensemble parts, but it still creates an interesting texture. A deceptive ending precedes his solo. The song is however far from over. There is a lot going on in this tune. I suspect further listening will reveal additional sonic gems in the production.
Earth from Above and the introspective Covenant round out the musical offerings on Traveler. Snitzer solos beautifully on soprano saxophone over an appealing bed of synthesizers. Anyone not already familiar with Andy Snitzer the saxophone player need only listen to a small portion of either tune for clarity. When you buy this cd (and you should) you should listen from to Earth from Above at 4:37 to 4:47. At this precise time Mr. Snitzer completely shows his technical ability, sense of feel and melodic understanding – all in just 10 seconds.
Andy Snitzer has long been known for his alto and tenor saxophone playing. It is a pleasure to hear him embrace the soprano at so many times on Traveler. He has surrounded himself with an enviable cast of top musicians who have produced some wonderful music.
You can buy your copy starting on 4/19/2011. Find out more at andysnitzer.com or nativelanguage.com
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