Kudos For Rob Schneiderman’s HMW Release “Tone Twister”

Added: by Brian Lynch

Hollistic MusicWorks artist Rob Schneiderman has been racking up great reviews and critical acclaim for “Tone Twister”, his new recording and maiden effort on the HMW label. Check out a bit of the buzz:

Downbeat Magazine (February 2018)

“Throughout his sideman stints with notables such as James Moody, J.J. Johnson, Art Farmer and Eddie Harris, his tenure in the band TanaReid and his 10 previous discs as a leader, pianist Rob Schneiderman has shown a straightahead heart marked by lyricism and no-nonsense taste.
That holds true on this set featuring eight originals burnished with subtle left  turns and infused with shades of Latin (“Footloose Freestyle”), blues (“Tone Twister”) and even a dose of half-time funk (“Left Coast Lullaby”). The centerpiece grabber is “Slapdance-Tapstick,” an uptempo swinger inspired by tap dancer Buster Brown.
This quintet’s sumptuous sound owes much to the rich, warm front- line union of trumpeter Brian Lynch (who owns the label and produced) and tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore. These two luminaries are, of course, tremendous soloists. But the key here is their rare sonic blend.
Bassist Gerald Cannon—taking time off  from his long tenure as McCoy Tyner’s musical director—lends his signature fat, solid support, while drummer Peter Van Nostrand is grooving, probing and catalyzing throughout. In essence, it’s the sound of a deeply connected quintet.” – Jeff Potter (3 1/2 Stars)

Aquarian Weekly (10/18/17)

“For his first new studio effort in over a decade, pianist composer/mathematician Rob Schneiderman has taken on the role as a Tone Twister (HollisticMusicworks). Backed by a terrific front line of Brian Lynch on trumpet and Ralph Moore on tenor saxophone, augmented by drummer Peter van Nostrand and bassist Gerald Cannon, Schneiderman performs nine originals plus the 1952 Nat King Cole hit, “Unforgettable”. A veteran in the 1980s bands of James Moody, JJ Johnson and Art Farmer, Schneiderman will be the first to tell you that he’s an old road dog who has performed in such exotic locales as Brazil and Indonesia.
Opening with “Footloose Freestyle,” it is here where he takes the slap-happy funk of Eddie Harris (in whose band he also toiled) and juxtaposes it with the Latin fire of Eddie Palmieri. “Left Coast Lullaby” is for his San Francisco roots while “Windblown” is a rewrite of “Lover,” a song Jeanette McDonald sang in the 1932 movie, Love Me Tonight. The highlight has to be the 7:30 “Slapdance-Tapstick,” where he approximates the kinetic artistry of tap dancer Buster Brown (with whom he once backed). The blues of both the title tune and the languorous 8:36 closer (“The Lion’s Tale”) give Tone Twister extra profundity. Wholeheartedly recommended.”

More Kudos For “Tone Twister”:

“Here is a CD full of compositional diversity….The amazing talents of Brian Lynch on trumpet and Ralph Moore on saxophone certainly add spark and creativity with their horn lines and individual solos on this tune and throughout the album. Schneiderman’s choice of band members is superb and each brings their genius into play on this project. All eight of Schneiderman’s original compositions are works of art…hear this seasoned veteran reflect his many influences in both his compositions and piano style. Every cut on this production is wonderfully arranged and celebrated by Schneiderman and his star-studded band. This is the kind of jazz album that never grows old.”
Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs

“A smoking sizzling date from a pro that never had any fear of doing what it took to rise through the ranks and earning while he learned…the piano man leads the crew in raising a joyful noise that any mainstream groover will prothelize over.  If you don’t know this cat from his past glories, it’s time to get in queue. Hot stuff throughout.”
Midwest Record