Started in the fall of 2007, Subtext has started to make its prescence known on the east coast jazz scene. Consisting of four students from the Berklee College of Music the group started as a weekly rehearsal group, reading through each member's new compositions on a regular basis with each player putting their own individual spin on the tune. Originally from Morristown, New Jersey guitarist and composer Alex Wintz has spent the last two years in Boston at the Berklee College of Music studying with such noted teachers as Mick Goodrick, Hal Crook, Greg Hopkins, and Dave Santoro while on the side performing at such noted venues as the Monterrey Jazz Festival, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Bassist/Composer Julian Smith hails from Chicago, Illinois. The son of alto saxophonist (and producer of our record!) Mike Smith, Julian graduated from Berklee in 2007 and is now building up a strong reputation among Boston and New York's best jazz players. A student of Hal Crook, Joe Lovano, and John Lockwood, Julian is currently on tour in Austria and Belgium Alto Saxophonist/Composer Joe Santa Maria is already at a very young age one of Houston, Texas' most in demand alto players, have tearing it up for four years in the Boston area. Known for his original and unique sound Joe credits teachers such as Woody Witt, Greg Hopkins, and George Garzone for his own creative spirit. Drummer Hamir Atwal is one of the most creative drummers within the Bay Area, California and Boston scenes. Performing already with artists such as Greg Osby, Joe Lovano, and Dayna Stephens, Hamir's influences are vast and far-reaching. Hamir is currently on tour with Julian throughout Europe and can be heard alongside Alex Wintz and Julian Smith with his on group in January throughout Northern California. Snakes and Ladders was recorded in August 2007 in Chicago, Illinois. Credit goes to Mike Smith for producing an amazing record and to Judy Smith for her potato salad. Thanks Mike and Judy! Hope you all enjoy!