Brian Patneaude: Chelsea Bridge
Musicians:
Brian Patneaude (tenor sax), Mike Moreno (guitar), Jesse Chandler (organ), Danny Whelchel (drums).
Composed by Billy Strayhorn
.Recorded: Delmar, NY, September 23, 2008
Rating: 84/100 (learn more)
"Chelsea Bridge" isn't one of the easier ballads to play, if for no other reason than it's usually taken in D-flat, which isn't one of the more common jazz keys. Tenor saxophonist Brian Patneaude does himself proud on this version of Billy Strayhorn's venerable composition, addressing the tune with respect and (in terms of the arrangement, especially) a bit of originality. Patneaude has a lovely tone—dark, smooth, mostly vibratoless. He's sensitive to the rise and fall of dynamics in the development of his improvised line, and he plays nice, coherent ideas. Guitarist Mike Moreno's solo is a bit less self-assured than Patneaude's, but he gets a full, clean and altogether lovely sound out of his instrument. If, as is often said, ballads are the ultimate tests of a jazz musician's maturity, Mr. Patneaude has definitely come of age.
Reviewer: Chris Kelsey
Tags: 2000s jazz · billy strayhorn covers · chelsea bridge
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