| The Smile of the Snake | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | July 15, 1997 | |||
| Recorded | December 3 & 4, 1996 | |||
| Studio | Acoustic Sound Studios, Brooklyn, NY | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Length | 58:24 | |||
| Label | HighNote HCD 7006 | |||
| Producer | Don Sickler | |||
| James Spaulding chronology | ||||
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The Smile of the Snake is an album by saxophonist James Spaulding which was recorded in 1996 and released on the HighNote label. [1] [2]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [3] |
| The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings |  [4] |
The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow stated: "One of the most underrated saxophonists of the post-1960 era, James Spaulding has long been a passionate postbop altoist and a warm flutist. On this superior outing he is heard in top form on both of his axes (plus two appearances on bass flute) ... the result is a high-quality set of obscurities ... Spaulding digs into the songs, displays a great deal of versatility and certainly has his fiery moments. One of James Spaulding's finest allround recordings". [3] In JazzTimes, Willard Jenkins wrote: "James Spaulding is a consistent multi-reed and flute exponent who always swings-in the true Indianapolis tradition where he was raised ... It is on alto saxophone where Spaulding has been making valuable contributions on the scene for over 30 years, yet his flute should not be overlooked in a time when jazz flute is in short supply. And dig his use of the rarely heard bass flute as an improvisational vehicle". [5]
The Hearinga Suite is an album by Muhal Richard Abrams released on the Italian Black Saint label in 1989 and features performances of seven of Abrams compositions by an eighteen-member orchestra. Abrams dedicated the music on the album to Steve McCall and Donald Raphael Garrett.
Standards is an album by jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan released on the Blue Note label. It was recorded on January 13, 1967, but not released until 1998 and it features performances by Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Billy Higgins, James Spaulding, Pepper Adams and Mickey Roker with arrangements by Duke Pearson.
Tender Moments is the eighth album by jazz pianist McCoy Tyner and his second released on the Blue Note label. It was recorded in December 1967 and features performances by Tyner with Lee Morgan, Julian Priester, Bob Northern, Howard Johnson, James Spaulding, Bennie Maupin, Herbie Lewis, and Joe Chambers.
The Spoiler is an album by jazz saxophonist Stanley Turrentine recorded for the Blue Note label in 1966 and performed by Turrentine with Blue Mitchell, James Spaulding, Pepper Adams, McCoy Tyner, Julian Priester, Bob Cranshaw, and Mickey Roker with arrangements by Duke Pearson.
Sweet Honey Bee is an album by American jazz pianist and composer Duke Pearson, released on the Blue Note label in 1967. The woman on the cover was Pearson's fiancee Betty.
The Right Touch is the tenth album by American pianist and arranger Duke Pearson featuring performances recorded in 1967 and released on the Blue Note label in 1968.
Sound Pieces is an album by American jazz composer, conductor and arranger Oliver Nelson featuring performances recorded in 1966 for the Impulse! label.
Trane Whistle is an album by saxophonist Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis' Big Band with arrangements by Oliver Nelson and Ernie Wilkins recorded in 1960 and released on the Prestige label.
Jug is an album by saxophonist Gene Ammons recorded in 1961 and released on the Prestige label.
Alto Madness is an album by saxophonists Jackie McLean and John Jenkins recorded in 1957 and released on the Prestige label.
Saying Somethin'! is an album by American saxophonist Gigi Gryce recorded in 1960 for the New Jazz label.
The Hap'nin's is an album by American saxophonist Gigi Gryce recorded in 1960 for the New Jazz label.
The Blues and Other Colors is an album by saxophonist James Moody recorded in 1968 and 1969 and released on the Milestone label.
Zounds is an album by saxophonist Lee Konitz which was recorded in 1990 and released on the Italian Soul Note label.
It's You is an album by American jazz saxophonist Lee Konitz recorded in Denmark in 1996 and released on the Danish SteepleChase label.
Loxodonta Africana is the debut album led by saxophonist Ricky Ford which was recorded in 1977 and released on the New World label.
Brilliant Corners is an album by saxophonist James Spaulding featuring compositions by, or associated with Thelonious Monk which was recorded in 1988 and released on the Muse label.
Roamin' with Richardson is an album by saxophonist Jerome Richardson recorded in 1959 and released on the New Jazz label.
Chillin' is an album by saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman which was recorded in 1998 and released on the HighNote label the following year.
Escapade is an album by saxophonist James Spaulding which was recorded in 1999 and released on the HighNote label.
