Andy Snitzer - In the Eye of the Storm (2022)

It makes perfect sense that Andy Snitzer includes David Sanborn among those he thanks on his second album, In The Eye of the Storm. Wouldn't you thank a legend who's not only an inspiration, but your sole sonic voice? It's a shame to get on a sharp young talent like Snitzer for emulating a hero, but it's almost like he's not trying to ease away from it. He tries a few other horns here and there, but the alto predominates. That said, let's focus on Snitzer's solid improvisations, diverse songwriting and production values which range from low key blues funk to easy jazz and bouncy pop. The infectious "My Dream Come True" is about as pure a mid-tempo pop-jazz cut as there is, while "The Schoolyard" runs like a romp on the swings. Then, of course, there's his tight, foundation laying synth work. With so much going for him, you'd think Snitzer would work on his one drawback...not that it's a problem if you've never heard of Sanborn.

Review by Jonathan Widran