Live at Smalls David Schnitter

• 1 Drone Tone (Live) 07:00
• 2 Squeamish (Live) 08:06
• 3 Peace (Live) 07:29
• 4 Star Eyes (Live) 14:40
• 5 Portrait (Live) 03:43
• 6 Soul Eyes (Live) 08:14
• 7 Wise One (Live) 11:23
• 8 Freeway (Live) 04:58
• Total Runtime 01:05:33

Info for Live at Smalls

Veteran tenor saxophonist David Schnitter holds the distinction of being the longest-serving member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Schnitter is also an accomplished composer, writing for string quartets as well as jazz quartets. On this live recording at Smalls Jazz Club, Schnitter reveals a depth of feeling and maturity that is rarely heard. His original work is compelling and often startling. He is accompanied by his veteran band, comprising pianist Spike Wilner, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, drummer Anthony Pinciotti and his wife, singer Marti Mabin. This is a collection of jazz music that touches the heart and is of the highest calibre.

David Schnitter, tenor saxophone
Spike Wilner, piano
Ugonna Okegwo, bass
Marti Mabin, vocals (tracks 3 & 7)
Anthony Pinciotti, drums

David Schnitter
He studied clarinet as a child but changed to tenor saxophone at the age of 15. He began his professional career playing at weddings and as a member of various rock bands. In 1972 Schnitter formed his own group in New York. After playing with Ted Dunbar (1973) he began his most important association, with Art Blakey (1974-9). He worked with Freddie Hubbard from 1979, recording with him in 1980 and 1981; he also played with Frank Foster, Charles Earland, Groove Holmes, and Johnny Lytle. Schnitter's style is based firmly on hard bop; his sound has been compared in particular with Dexter Gordon's, though the influences of Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane are also detectable.

This album contains no booklet.