Jazz saxophonist and clarinetist Adam Schneit’s impending first album doesn’t come without a whole lot of preparation. The Harvard grad who also studied music at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music and learned under the guidance of visionaries like Steve Lacy, Joe Morris and Bob Brookmeyer prior to moving to New York in 2005 and making a name for himself as a performer, composer and a leading voice in a very adventurous ensemble.
Schneit’s debut Light Shines In is thusly a well-baked product, made more so with the participation of long time musical partners and fellow pioneers Eivind Opsvik (bass), Sean Moran (guitar) and Kenny Wollesen (drums). It reflects his passion for both the imperfections of rock and the freedom of jazz. Liberally pulling in ingredients ranging from avant-garde to simple folk forms to messy rock ‘n’ roll, Light Shines In can almost be thought of as a continuation of the now-defunct Old Time Musketry band Schneit co-led and composed for.
We’re debuting “A Clearer View” in the stream above, and this one is only a wispy, wavering vocal away of being casually confused for a Neil Young song. Stretching over nine minutes, the album opener is also its longest tune. Yet it doesn’t feel drawn out, because the two soloists move forward in making their statements, not revisiting covered ground. Schneit’s tenor has a composed tone and delivery all its own, a contrast to the unkempt, provocatively pockmarked guitar attack of Moran. But both keep the melody well in their sights, and retain the immediacy of a good Young song without needing lyrics to get that across.
Light Shines In is expected out December 2, 2016 from Fresh Sound Records.
- Angell & Crane, “Himalayan Dial-Up” from ‘Angell & Crane’ (2024): Video Premiere - November 22, 2024
- Michael Attias, “Avrils” from ‘Quartet Music Vol. II- Kardamon Fall’ (2024): Streaming premiere - October 11, 2024
- Bryn Roberts, “Aloft” from ‘Aloft’ (2024): Video Premiere - September 20, 2024
