John Patitucci: Messaien’s Gumbo

Track

Messaien’s Gumbo

Artist

John Patitucci (6 string electric bass)

CD

Remembrance (Concord Jazz CJA-31018-02)

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Musicians:

John Patitucci (6 string electric bass), Joe Lovano (tenor sax), Brian Blade (drums),

Rogerio Boccato (percussion)

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Composed by John Patitucci

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Recorded: New York, September 16 & 17 2008

John_patitucci_remembrance

Rating: 87/100 (learn more)

In an album full of tributes of other musicians, my best guess at the target of this paean is the 20th century French composer Olivier Messiaen, but this ain’t no chamber music. Rather, it’s a delicious bass-driven groove Patitucci so effortlessly plays on his electric bass. Blade brings to the fore the Big Easy funk sensibilities that he learned first hand as a young man, preferring to color the beat with well-placed flourishes over heavy-handedness. Lovano fashions some statements that are unhurried but memorable and staying in the pocket. When he returns after Patitucci and Blade’s fun little tête-à-tête, he’s welcomed with a “woo!” coming from presumably the leader and picks up where he left off with a tad more intensity.

It’s just an informal musical confab among three consummate pros who are letting their hair down without bringing down the level of musicianship. We as listeners are like auspicious flies on the wall.

Reviewer: S. Victor Aaron

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