Hearing Jim Snidero cut loose on this superb set of standards makes me wish I would have included him in my Top Five list of underrated players for Jazz Times magazine. His tone is golden. His facility is awesome. His time and intonation are flawless, and he plays with the kind of drive and conviction that brings to mind a few legendary alto saxophonists.

    "I'm definitely influenced by Cannonball Adderley," says the Maryland native. "My three big cats when I was growing up were Cannonball, Bird and Sonny Stitt. Those were the three guys I thought were perfect on the alto, but, over the years, I've tried to find my own way, my own feeling"
Just listen to how he effortlessly doubles up the tempo on "Long Ago And Far Away" and "Bluesville" or how he flies with soulful authority on "Along Came Betty" and a fresh sounding bossa arrangement of "What's New." Check out his deeply affecting interpretation of "Round Midnight." Savor the sheer burn of his uptempo take on "Without A Song" or the Coltrane-esque energy he summons up on the vamp section to "You And The Night And The Music." This is an abundantly talented, criminally under recognized player at the peak of his powers.

    After three albums for the Dutch Criss Cross label and three for the Italian Red Records label, Snidero is bound to get more recognition from his first Stateside release on Double Time. Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and featuring a stellar rhythm section of Kenny Washington on drums, Dennis Irwin on bass and Mike LeDonne on piano, Standards + Plus is Snidero's strongest statement as a player. He also happens to be a gifted composer, as he has showcased on previous outings. But this standards project brings into focus his most obvious gifts, that gorgeous tone and an imposing command over the instrument that connects him to a great lineage of alto players.

    Bill Milkowski Sept. '97 Jazztimes magazine