Alto saxist has carved out an impressive career since his early days with the formidable Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band back in the 80s. He’s always been a solid post bopper, but this album takes him to an impressive new level as he adds Korean harmonies, melodies and instrumentation via Do Yeon Kim’s stringed gayageum to create a wonderful melding of sounds both east and west.
Kim’s prickly strings create a hot kochujang past on the post bopping “DMZ” while the sounds are lyrically melded with Linda May Han Oh’s bass as they sway like a camphor tree with Snidero’s lovely alto on “Han O Bak Nyun” . Dave Douglas’ muted horn gives hints of Miles Davis with Asian shadows following a resonant gong on the exotic “Mother” with sublime horns breezing with Orrin Evans piano and Rudy Royston’s drums coaxing Kim and Snidero along on “Jeju.” Advanced hard bop works wonders with rich harmonies on the pulsating shuffle of “Goofy” and the hip “Jenga”, with Snidero in rich elliptical control riding Oh’s bass line on “Seolful.” The melding of pungent flavors is as poignant as pickled vegetables and as sweet as BBQ beef. A gourmand’s musical delight.