Search - John Patitucci :: Remembrance

Another winner by JP

Charles Mishalany | Marietta, GA | 09/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've got to keep this short.

This is a killer CD. I've had the pleasure of watching John going back to the mid 80's and attending his first record release party at Le Cafe in Sherman Oaks, CA. He's always been an exceptional writer and phenomenal musician being able to double on both the electric bass guitar and upright acoustic bass at the highest levels.

I own all of his CD's and am always intrigued by how he changes themes and ensembles around at every go retaining originally.

This CD has the beauty of open collaboration and textural (timbre)richness. The instruments are allowed to breath both in tone and harmony without the stamp of a chordal instrument. The bass tones are rich and can be heard during the ensemble playing as clearly as if John was soloing.

Like I said, the makeup of this ensemble is a deviation from most of his previous group recordings but it's well worth getting and enjoying. This recording is a nod to past masters but is exquisitely presented with a modern flavor.

Blessings"

A Journey Back To When Jazz Was Great

Gregory Canellis | Tuckerton, NJ USA | 10/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've never envisioned a smoky, dimly lit subterranean Chicago jazz club filled with the hauntingly beautiful sounds of three cats jamming into the wee small hours of the morning, listen to this CD. John Patitucci not only goes back to his jazz roots, but transforms his audience back to an age when contemporary jazz was molding a truly American art form.



Intended to revamp the jazz trio, and pay homage to jazz greats who had influenced him, Patitucci (with Joe Lovano on tenor sax, and Brian Blade on drums) does not merely imitate such icons as John Coltrane, Ray Brown and Elvin Jones, but invokes their spirit that radiates with every measure of tracks like ""Monk/Trane," "Sonny Side," and "Blues for Freddie." Seven of the eleven tracks feature John on acoustic bass, whose solos, accompanied by gentle cymbal and snare work by Blade, evoke the aviance of the soulful jazz sound.



Patitucci dons his six-string electric, as well. Songs such as "Messaien's Gumbo" and "Mali" center on a bass arpeggio, while Lovano and Patitucci solo in circles. The lower bass tones of these tracks appeal to this reviewer more than the guitar sounding "Meditations" and the short title track. "Joe Hen" highlights Blade's more aggressive side, while "Scenes From an Opera" adds a bowed bass and string quartet, creating a softer effect.



The sound production on this CD is crystal clear. Blade's brushes or plastic tipped sticks can be heard ever so gently tapping cymbals, while one swears Lovano's breath can be felt passing over the reed and continuing down the tube. During the solo on "Play Ball,", the sharp crack of Patitucci's upright bass string slapping the neck, sounds as if he were in the room next to you.



"Remembrance" is a delightful journey back in time to an era when jazz was great. A must have CD for any Patitucci fan and jazz lover alike. Five stars, highly recommended.

"

Excellent addition to canon of Pianoless Trios

wheelockgroove | 11/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Patitucci's album is a very fine recording that features some intriguing compositions and stellar musicianship. It stands not only as one of his finest but one of the finest in the pantheon of pianoless trios. John is joined by drummer Brian Blade with whom he has a long association with Wayne Shorter's Quartet and elsewhere. Saxophonist Joe Lovano rounds out the trio and his playing is superb as always.



The music contained on the album are all originals of John's and are all very interesting. Many of these honor his musical heroes. Although some listeners may recoil at the change of musical styles and instrumentation (with John switching between upright and electric bass) I believe this provides a very welcome musical variety. Additionally, Lovano has a very interesting alto clarinet solo on one song.



As a pianoless trio, this one is particularly interesting when compared with others of this instrumentation because the bassist in this case is the leader, not for example, the saxophonist."