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Dream of the Serpent Dog - Review

Easy Reeding - Spring 1998

From Hohner Inc.

The first collaborative effort by Clint Hoover on harmonica, Bobby E. on acoustic guitar, Jim Chenoweth on upright bass and Mac Santiago on percussion, Dream of the Serpent Dog consists of 10 original acoustic jazz compositions that feature the chromatic harmonica as the principal lead voice.  With the harmonica taking center stage in this instrumental album, the guitar, drums and bass offer a rich texture for this eclectic album.

Hoover's composition, Ripley's Waltz or Dream of the Serpent Dogs, is perhaps the most in-depth piece on the album.  For lovers of complex and intricate blends of music, it is a masterful piece.  Hoover's Snake Oil has a delightful blues feel to it.   And all of the cuts show an exuberance and sense of play comparable to other jazz greats such as Toots Thielemans and Hendrik Meurkens.  In additional to great regional reviews, Dream of the Serpent Dog has received a rave review in Cadence, a national jazz magazine.  A professional for 17 years Hoover has provided music for movies, commercials, TV news themes, radio and theater.  He has performed on recordings by Bill Hinkley and Judy Larson, Peter Mayer, Benny Weinbeck and others.   He has opened shows for artists ranging from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band to Sugar Blue, and has earned a reputation for his skills and talent.  However, Dream of the Serpent Dog is the first full exposition of Hoover's vision.  It will not be a disappointment to those who love wonderful jazz.