Alto saxophonist Jim Snidero is an emerging talent on the jazz scene and is making an impact internationally, frequently touring in Japan and Europe.

Snidero, who hails from Washington, D.C., attended the University of North Texas and set off for New York in 1981. In the past, many aspiring jazz musicians went through a sort of apprenticeship as sidemen in various groups before going it alone. Nowadays, though, there aren't many groups where a person like Snidero could hone his craft, since many of the masters have either past away or don't work anymore.

So Snidero took it up upon himself to organize groups under his own name in which he felt he could advance musically. He is dedicated to acoustic jazz and is committed to playing only in situations which are not commercial. That means no weddings or social events.

Snidero has received plaudits from numerous publications including The Jazz Times and The New Yorker for his playing. Some critics have noted the influences of Cannonball Adderley and Jackie McLean in his playing style. Snidero has toured with Toshiko Akiyoshi, Frank Sinatra, Jack McDuff and Eddie Palmieri.

In addition to touring with his own group, he is a frequent member of the Mingus Big Band in New York. He has recorded 14 albums as a sideman and nine albums under his own name. On these recordings, he has worked with trumpeter Tom Harrell, drummer Billy hart and pianists Kenny Kirkland, Mulgrew Miller and Benny Green, some of the top names in contemporary jazz.

Snidero is also an experienced jazz educator. he has worked with conservatories in Europe, given concerts and clinics at universities in the United States, instructed at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Workshops, and is currently on the faculty of the Mannes School of Music in New York City.

Recently released is Snidero's "The Jazz Conception Series" published by Advance Music. "The Jazz Conception Series" is a book/CD set of 21 etudes based on jazz standards and blues. It is designed to help students of jazz understand jazz phrasing, articulation and how melody, harmony and rhythm are integrated to create jazz solos that swing. There are 11 books in all for various instruments, available in six languages including Japanese.

Down Beat - 6/98

Down Beat- 10/97

Jazz Times 8/98

New York Post

Washington Post

Los Angeles Times

Washington Post 5/94

The Village Voice

Gramophone Jazz Good CD Guide

Japan Times

Jazziz

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