The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group successfully updates the garden-pop sound of early Everything But the Girl and Aztec Camera on the wonderful Sniff. The vocal tandem of Ruiz and wife Stephanie together suggests a pairing between Chet Baker and Astrud Gilberto, complete with airy guitar textures and light bossa nova beats. The west coast jazz influence extends to "Bigfoot (I Remember Wes)," a tribute to Wes Montgomery, while a cameo appearance from French indie-pop star Katerine further underscores the album's cosmopolitan leanings. Suave and sophisticated, Sniff is that rare indie-pop album that's much more than the sum of its influences. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
Paul Mertens (Sax (Baritone)), Peter Robelia (String Samples), Ken Sluiter (Engineer), Ken Sluiter (Mixing), Mark Greenberg (Keyboards), The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group (Photography), Dave Crawford (Flugelhorn), Rich Copley (Standup Bass), Peter Robelia (Oscillator), Tom Herbers (Engineer), John Crozier (Piano), Mike Crabtree (Guitar), Danny Sigelman (Percussion), Mark Greenberg (Vibraphone), John Crozier (Percussion), Sabrina Abdourahamany (?), Paul Mertens (Sax (Tenor)), John Ridenour (Bass), John Ridenour (Guitar), David Trumfio (Remixing), David Trumfio (Producer), Mike Brady (Baritone), Mike Brady (Trombone), John Crozier (Producer), Paul Mertens (Flute), Rich Copley (?), Harry Trumfio (Electronic Percussion), Dave Crawford (Trumpet), Tom Herbers (Producer), John Crozier (Guitar (Rhythm)), John Crozier (Engineer), Danny Sigelman (Drums), The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group (Bass), David Trumfio (Mixing), Ken Sluiter (Remixing), John Crozier (Guitar), John Crozier (Engineer), The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group (Vocals), John Crozier (Guitar (Acoustic)), Roger Seibel (Mastering), Gail O'Hara (Photography), Peter Robelia (Trumpet), Harry Trumfio (Drums), The Legendary Jim Ruiz Group (Guitar), John Ridenour (Banjo)
