Guitarist Bob Sneider takes center stage on two fine projects, one a group date and the other a duo work. Fallen Angel features the Bob Sneider & Joe Locke Film Noir Project, while Escapade (both Sonsof Sound) matches Sneider with pianist Paul Hoffman, who’s also a member of the Film Noir Project.

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. While most of the songs are either Sneider or Hofmann originals, they also include an outstanding three-song “Nat Cole Trio Melody” that zips through the blues and concludes with “Rhumba Azul,” as well as a delicate version of “My Funny Valentine” and a classical romp through Scribain’s “Improvisations on Prelude No. 22, Op. 11, Part IV,” with Hofmann providing the reconfigured arrangement.

There are additional classical and blues forays on Escapade, plus a five-part medley “Touching The Sky” that extends more than 20 minutes, and serves as the disc showcase for the formidable guitar/piano skills of Bob Sneider and Paul Hofmann.

— Ron Wynn
© Nashville City Paper, March 2006