Ed Saindon: Swing on the Sunnyside

Unlike the majority of jazz musicians his age, Berklee-ensconced vibist and teacher Ed Saindon takes as his inspiration the music played by the giants of the ’30s and ’40s. But even beyond that, instead of following in the well-trod paths set by his own instrumental forebears-Norvo, Hampton, and Jackson-he bases his style on the models set by the classic pianists of the era. A master of the four-mallet technique, Saindon quite comfortably handles such left-hand accompanying devices as stride- and walking-bass, but he also embraces the more rhythmically adventurous leaps of Hines and Tatum.

With the light support of acoustic bassist Barry Smith and drummer Matt Gordy, he utilizes most of the facets of his varied approach on such beautifully intoned solo features as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Rosetta,” the harp-like “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “I Found A New Baby,” and “You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me.” Further spice is provided on seven additional tracks by the swinging Goodman cum bop clarinetist, Dick Johnson, and on four by legendary trumpeter/ bandleader/educator Herb Pomeroy. Curiously, though, the two hornmen only coincide on two titles, “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” and “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

Originally Published May 1, 1997