Reviews
Bob Sneider & Paul
Hofmann: Escapde
(Sons of Sound SSPCD030)
"Guitarist Bob Sneider
takes center stage on two fine projects…The
link between Bob Sneider and Hofmann is even
more evident on Escapade, where their
union is so intense and musically accomplished
that nothing else is needed. …“Touching
The Sky” serves as the disc showcase for
the formidable guitar/piano skills of Sneider and Hofmann." [read
the review]
— Nashville City Paper ,
March 2006
"Guitarist extraordinaire Bob
Sneider has been a busy man lately,
co-headlining two new albums this month. Sneider
and Hofmann have played together enough to reach
a level of musical symbiosis recalling the classic
duo of Bill Evans and Jim Hall." [read
the review]
— Rochester City,
March 2006
 "'Chick Corea meets Bud Powell,'
an excellent description of this well-named and
very lively opener.
The duo devours a medley of forgotten tunes from
the heyday of the Nat King Cole Trio, while their
intricate arrangement of "My Funny Valentine" invites
comparison to the famous recording by Bill Evans
and Jim Hall on their critically acclaimed
disc Undercurrent. The music grows upon
the listener with repeated hearing, revealing
new facets with each play. This highly rewarding
session from the small Sons of Sound label is
well worth investigating." [read
the review]
— All Music
Guide,
April 2006
"…chamber
jazz at its finest, demonstrating with eloquence
that jazz is a serious musical idiom. Highly
recommended. …has
found its' way into my CD player over and over
again. It reminds me so much of Jim
Hall and Bill Evans masterpiece, Undercurrent,
which is considered one of the best jazz recordings
of all time… original compositions
by Hofmann and Sneider that reveal a deep understanding
of harmony and form. The music varies
in intensity, rhythm and density with many
surprises and clever turns, with several
quotes from classic and baroque music." [read
the review]
— Jazz Police,
April 2006
"Guitarist Bob Sneider and
pianist Paul Hofmann approach the duo format
with masterful
technique and imagination… Sneider
and Hofmann share a crisp chemistry and craft a
seamless sound—and
while their technique is flawless throughout,
the players don't eschew some fun and spontaneity… The
set is masterfully arranged, and the players
are so musically in-sync that, in a relaxed
listening mode, you can lose track of which
instrument is playing which part in this intellectual
yet approachable sound." [read
the review]
— All About Jazz, September
2006
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