Andy Snitzer
Back in 1999, years before chill music was on its way to becoming a vast and influential subgenre of contemporary Jazz, saxophonist Andy Snitzer felt inspired one day and sat down at the piano at his parents’ house in his hometown of Philadelphia. Retreating to Some Quiet Place in his creative mind, the popular saxophonist—who had previously recorded two hit albums for Warner Bros., Ties That Bind (1994) and In The Eye Of The Storm (1996)—began creating an album that, it turns out, was way ahead of its time.Nobody labeled songs like the title track, “A Few Wild Nights,” “Loving You,” “On Extended Wing, “Losing Summer,” “For Joel” or the edgy, fusion-trip hop flavored “Testimony” chill back then, but in 2006, they perfectly reflect the energy and vision of that side of today’s contemporary Jazz. Those who may have missed Some Quiet Place upon its original release in 1999 have another chance to discover this essential project.
The new release includes all of the original tracks, plus a bonus cut, the lush and soulful, brass tinged “Passion Play,” which features and was co-written by Snitzer’s longtime friend, guitarist Chuck Loeb. The trippy and hypnotic–not to mention supremely cool and funky–opening track “As I Was Before” features the powerful acoustic piano work of Snitzer mentor and contemporary Jazz keyboardist Bob James.
Phillippe Saisse, another longtime Snitzer confidant, created the pre-chill chill atmospheres, beats and trippy sonic textures throughout Some Quiet Place. Saisse also plays acoustic piano, Rhodes and clavinet. “On Extended Wing,” whose grounded, grooving sax melody is surrounded by dreamy, swirling synth textures, features a soaring trumpet solo by another artist who knows a thing or two about chill, Chris Botti.
“Like my other projects, Some Quiet Place reflects a full force approach that draws from all of the rhythmic and melodic possibilities that I like,” says Snitzer, whose latest release prior to the current re-issue is 2002’s Sugar. “I like rhythms that are substantial and complex, and sometimes aggressive. I like to marry these rhythms with harmonically introspective atmospheres and pads; the contrast in these two aspects is essential to my approach.”
“When I make records, I do what I seem to feel like doing, in a very honest way,” he adds. “I think the moody vibe started when I was a kid and first heard 10cc’s ‘I’m Not In Love,’ which had this enormous, paddish atmosphere, and I also loved Pink Floyd. It’s almost as if I had this music in me before I thought seriously of becoming a professional musician. Now, when I sit at the piano to compose, everything else disappears, and that feeling is what comes naturally to me.”
In addition to being one of contemporary Jazz’s most acclaimed solo performers, composers and producers, Andy Snitzer has been known to keep some incredible company as a first call studio sideman. His rise through the ranks of today’s saxophonists includes dates with superstars of every genre: Eric Clapton, Beck, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Vanessa Williams, Naughty by Nature, Dr. John, Paul Simon, Jane Monheit and Christina Aguilera, among hundreds of others.
As a member of the Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge and Bridges to Babylon world tours, Snitzer has performed worldwide before millions in over 40 countries. As a member of Paul Simon's touring band from 1999-2002—he replaced one of his idols, Michael Brecker, in the band–he joined a world-class assemblage of musicians from Africa, Europe and the USA in a band of widespread critical acclaim.
In the midst of all this work as a saxophonist, Andy has of late begun to develop a whole other side of his career. As a longtime devotee and expert in the world of Pro Tools, Andy has combined this technical expertise with his outstanding musicianship to become one of the industry’s most skillful music editors. Most notably, Andy did all the performance editing on Bon Jovi's album Crush, which has sold over 6 million copies worldwide. He has worked for artists ranging from pop stars Destiny's Child to jazz legend Miles Davis. Andy's many years of experience in MIDI sequencing and performance “tweaking” on his own records have helped him develop an elevated insight and acumen in the way parts groove together in the context of a music production.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the distinct privilege to make great music with wonderful people who happen to be among the most popular and talented artists in the world,” says Snitzer. “Working with them and watching them do their thing has really helped me grow as a musician. Being exposed to their musical direction and individual aura has added breadth and sophistication to my own playing and composing. It’s been a really amazing journey for me.”
Connect with Andy:
AndySnitzer.comMySpace
