Escapade

Escapade marks the second duo session by guitarist Bob Sneider and pianist Paul Hofmann, two wide-ranging musicians who draw inspiration from classical music, jazz, bossa nova, and more in their improvised flights through their original compositions, standards, and classical works. Hofmann describes his partner's "Roller Coaster" as "Chick Corea meets Bud Powell," an excellent description of this well-named and very lively opener. The pianist's "Blues Palindrome" starts like an academic bop exercise before unfolding into a masterpiece. The duo devours a medley of forgotten tunes from the heyday of the Nat King Cole Trio, while their intricate arrangement of "My Funny Valentine" invites comparison to the famous recording by Bill Evans and Jim Hall on their critically acclaimed disc Undercurrent. The music grows upon the listener with repeated hearing, revealing new facets with each play. This highly rewarding session from the small Sons of Sound label is well worth investigating.