Libbie Jo Snyder

The Flute and Voice of Libbie Jo

Jane Getz, piano/producer; Steve Cotter, guitar; Henry Franklin, bass; Tom Sala/Paul Kreibich, drums.

I have known Libbie Jo Snyder almost since I first settled in Los Angeles, over 30 years ago. I have always admired her versatility, and looked forward to the time when I could write about a recording by her. Although she did put out a cassette a few years ago, entitled Toot Da Flute, this is her first full-blown project. Ably assisted by long-time compadre, pianist Jane Getz, the results are highly satisfying. Some of the material here is culled from that early cassette:

Her romantic side displayed on "You're My Everything," and the beautiful Getz composition "Treasure Island" as well as a rather unusual choice, Rogers & Hammerstein's "Whistle A Happy Tune." Her version of the old standard "Swinging Shepherd B1ues" is reborn here as "Shepherd's Blooze," without losing any of its inherent swing.

Her voice is attractive and convincing on such well-conceived tunes as "My Old FLame" and the Getz-P. Ranelin original, "Close Encounters, Only A Dream." The inclusion of "Summer At Last" was a kind of last-minute decision, the tune was written by Libbie with Jane and Michael Campagna, and is featured in a movie, "Made Up," a selection at this year's Santa Barbara Film Festival. Libbie was subsequently invited to be a featured guest at the Santa Barbara Jazz Society's Jazz Jam this past February.

Her choice of accompanists (in addition to Getz) was impeccable. All have impressive jazz credits, and each of them offers stalwart support throughout this CD. Kreibich is the ideal drummer for such gentle instruments as flute and voice, and Franklin is a past master at the subtle art of being there at all times. Although guitarist Steve Cotter is not prominently featured, his presence can be felt on all tracks, with a lovely solo on "You GoTo My Head," which carries out the sensuous theme set by both Libbie's voice and Getz's piano.

This is a very satisfying and refreshing recording from a group of well-estabished and highly talented artists.

by Francesca Nemko

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