Brian Patneaude Quartet -- Variations

rollhead · May-9th-2003, 08:49 PM

Review Courtesy AllAboutJazz.com

Variations
Brian Patneaude Quartet | WEPA

The album takes its title from guitarist George Muscatello’s composition “Variations on a Variation,” which is as good a description as any for the music on this CD. Each member of the quartet contributes one or more of the compositions, and each track reflects the character of its composer. As the author of six out of the album’s nine tracks, it would be easy to say that Muscatello is the prevailing voice here, but the cooperative spirit of the band helps to overcome this and make sure that no one musician dominates the proceedings. Muscatello is both a strong composer and an excellent guitarist, however, demonstrating the influence of Pat Metheny and Pat Martino in his playing and Leo Brouwer in his writing. Muscatello’s moods range from the pensive - as in the title track - to the playful, as heard on “Tons of Fun,” the CD’s closer.

Although he wrote only two of the tunes, saxophonist/leader Brian Patneaude amply demonstrates why his name resides alongside the title. A powerful tenor who combines the seemingly incompatible influences of Michael Brecker and Joe Lovano, Patneaude keeps a tight reign on the proceedings while allowing each musician the freedom to do his own thing. The band operates as a single entity, and that in itself is a tribute to Patneaude’s leadership. Both of his compositions are tributes to saxophonists – “Jolo” to Lovano and “Freedom Trane” to both Eddie Harris and John Coltrane – and Patneaude is indeed a worthy disciple. He’s clearly been listening hard to his heroes, taking their teachings to heart and creating something wholly original. Definitely one to watch.

Not to be overlooked, bassist Ryan Lukas and drummer Danny Whelchel each contribute one composition (Whelchel co-writing the enigmatically titled “Hide the Fat Guy” with Muscatello). Their interaction creates a complex but rock solid rhythmic groundwork upon which Patneaude and Muscatello weave their harmonic magic. Lukas’s “The Longing” is a showcase for his engaging finger-work. Whelchel’s drumming is a treat throughout the album. His accents and cymbal splashes punctuating his colleagues’ statements, contributing a sort of rhythmic equivalent to Flaubert’s la mot juste.

Variations is an impressive first effort which leaves the listener eagerly awaiting the Brian Pateneaude Quartet’s second and third albums.

Bon appetit!

Track Listing: 1. Jolo (Patneaude) 2. Variation On A Variation (Muscatello) 3. The Strega (Muscatello) 4. The Longing (Lukas) 5. O.F.F. (Muscatello) 6. Hide The Fat Guy (Whelchel/Muscatello) 7. Erodiade (Muscatello) 8. Freedom Trane (Patneaude) 9. Tons Of Fun (Muscatello)

Personnel: Brian Patneaude - tenor saxophone, George Muscatello - guitar, Ryan Lukas - bass, Danny Whelchel - drums.
Any self-help guru will tell you that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In jazz, that truism can easily apply to debut albums: You only get to make one. A strong first album can set the pace for the rest of an artist’s career as a leader. Think of debuts like Joe Henderson’s Page One or Jeff “Tain” Watts’ Citizen Tain. If the Brian Patneaude Quartet’s maiden voyage, Variations, is any indication, we’ll be hearing a great deal from this group in years to come.

~ Alexander M. Stern

patricia · May-9th-2003, 09:56 PM

The jazz market is a tough market to crack and I congratulate Brian Patneaude on this debut CD.
Although I have not heard it, yet, the fact that Brian Patneaude is our own "rollhead" 's teacher would tempt me to seek it out and give it a chance. The track list is intriguing and the review certainly is enthusiastic. Enthusiasm for a new jazz offering is encouraging, for a group which certainly deserves a listen.
I'm going to look for it.

Mike Schwartz · May-9th-2003, 10:43 PM

Brian was kind enough to send me the CD after he saw the now lost thread on fellow upstate NYer Francesca Tanksley's outstanding 1st recording as a leader "Journey."

Simply stated Patnaude's CD and this group are SLAMMIN'!

Personally [and I respect what the reviewer has written], when a musician shows hints of where he or she *came from* and rise above it to show clearly that evolotion has been well surpassed with the kind of fresh sounds that Brian & the group exibit here, I make no mentions of the mentors or influences.They're all well beyond that to my ears.

Yes, I heard some kind of Metheny thing from a sonic perspective from the guitarist, but there's not a hint of copy cat or fan club sound coming from anybody in the band.

What I think most accurately tells what's going on with the new CD is from Brian's notes, where tells the listeners that this is what the music sounded like the day of the recording, and the groups aim is to have it sound different in any number of ways every time out.

So taken by, & pleasantly surprized by this CD, when a window opened for a booking on my weekly radio-cast, will have Brian introduced to our Bay Area audience, Sunday, May 18 9-10AM Pacific time 90.5FM KSJS, San Jose

patricia · May-10th-2003, 12:14 AM

Thanks for the positive words for this CD, Mike.
Now, with two positive reviews, from you and from our rollhead, I definitely will find it and listen to it.
New jazz groups have an uphill battle to be heard, so being pointed toward one is a terrific way to boost this collection and let the board know what's out there.

rollhead · May-10th-2003, 01:48 AM

Patricia,

I just cut and pasted that review, I didn't write it.

Brian is my sax teacher, so you can't really expect me to be objective. Now, can you?

;-)

for those that would like to buy the CD "Variations," you can find it on Brian's website at http://www.brianpatneaude.com/

patricia · May-10th-2003, 03:11 PM

Sorry, rollhead. The hour was late and I was tired. I'll amend my previous comment, here, to that of enjoying the review, and I hope, soon, the actual CD.

Tom Storer · May-10th-2003, 05:52 PM

I've read favorable commentary on Patneaude before, although I have yet to hear him - am I right in thinking he's from the Albany/Schenectady area? This looks like a good place to jump in. Thanks for the tip, rollhead!

rollhead · May-10th-2003, 08:03 PM

Tom:

You are right. Brian is a product of the Albany/Schenectady area, as is Stefon Harris, Nick Brignola and other jazz greats.

Brian is just now being discovered.

Mike Schwartz · May-10th-2003, 08:07 PM

Stefon went to Eastman for a while...
Is that considered the same region?

rollhead · May-10th-2003, 08:13 PM

Mike,

Stefon grew up in the Albany area. Brian did, too. Nick Brignola grew up in Troy, across the Hudson River from Albany.

Dr Dave · May-11th-2003, 09:48 PM

You can hear a live cut of "Jolo" at this site. He's hot stuff, as is his guitarist.

GoodSpeak · May-11th-2003, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rollhead
Patricia,

I just cut and pasted that review, I didn't write it.

Brian is my sax teacher, so you can't really expect me to be objective. Now, can you?

;-)

for those that would like to buy the CD "Variations," you can find it on Brian's website at http://www.brianpatneaude.com/

Rollhead,

With a shameless promoter like you on his side, how could he go wrong? ;-)

Sounds interesting to me, too. Can I only order from his website or can I buy this CD in my Little Land O'Enchantment?

BTW, the tune Jolo is very cool...the guitar work really compliments the sax. The drummer sounds almost Dave Weckel-ish to these ears.

GoodSpeak · May-11th-2003, 11:28 PM

Fergit it...I just went ahead and odered it online.

At $12 bucks...it's well worth the try ;-)

Jiveman · May-12th-2003, 08:45 AM

GREAT CD!!

This band is on the rise!

I've been trying to post here for weeks.Now I can--(just one time?)--Hope to not have to register another 1000 times.

Sergio Zamora · May-12th-2003, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by patricia
Although I have not heard it, yet, the fact that Brian Patneaude is our own "rollhead" 's teacher would tempt me to seek it out and give it a chance.

Umm...Brian P is also a JC poster.

Hey, Jive! It's been a while.

Jiveman · May-12th-2003, 10:21 AM

Hi Omar!

I still have trouble posting here,but if I re-register each time I change pages here,hit back space on my browser,post,retype the post a 2nd time,then I'm cool......

I've missed some people here!Have you heard the Dorner/Holm duo CD yet?

rollhead · May-12th-2003, 11:29 AM

This is from the All Music Guide

Tenor saxophonist Brian Patneaude and his quartet display a strong group aesthetic on their debut disc, Variations. Patneaude has a lithe, controlled sound not unlike Michael Brecker, and guitarist George Muscatello's snakelike intensity brings to mind both Pat Metheny and Pat Martino. The duo makes solid use of harmonically complex dual guitar/sax arrangements urged on by drummer Danny Whelchel and bassist Ryan Lukas. Muscatello's fascination with avant-garde guitarist/composer Leo Brouwer takes center stage on a few cuts, while Patneaude pays homage to modern sax giant Joe Lovano on "Jolo." There is a softness to Variations, a sensitivity to melody and harmonic color, that belies an improvisational muscularity. This is a highly accomplished debut recording that truly is the sum of some excellent parts. — Matt Collar

Sergio Zamora · May-12th-2003, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jiveman
I've missed some people here!Have you heard the Dorner/Holm duo CD yet?

You mean Object? It's on the list, dude.

rollhead · May-12th-2003, 05:00 PM

This is from Brian's local daily, The Albany Times Union:

Sizzlin' sax

Speaking of jazz, Capital Region tenor sax-man-about-town Brian Patneaude is one of the busiest musicians on the local music scene. He's a member of the Empire Jazz Orchestra, Alex Torres y Los Reyes Latinos and the Adrian Cohen Quartet. He's also the co-leader (along with keyboardist Adrian Cohen) of the Patneaude/Cohen Quartet, which hosts the weekly Tuesday-night jazz jam at the Van Dyck in Schenectady.

But now his own jazz combo -- cleverly titled the Brian Patneaude Quartet -- is stepping into the spotlight with the recent release of their sparkling debut album, "Variations" on WEPA Records. The band also features guitarist George Muscatello, acoustic bassist Ryan Lukas and drummer Danny Whelchel, and each of them has plenty of room to stretch out on the CD, both as musicians and as composers.

"A couple of the guys wanted to make a perfect album -- to really polish the songs in the studio -- but that's not what I wanted," explains Patneaude. He also produced the CD and designed the striking package, which features on its cover a vibrant (and vibrating) color photograph of the Albany skyline at night.

"I wanted the CD to be a documentation of what we are. That's what we got, and I'm really happy with the way it came out.

"There are no overdubs, no studio trickery. We just went into the studio, played the songs and selected the best takes. What you hear is really what you get."

The songs -- including Patneaude's "Jolo" (inspired by Joe Lovano) and "Freedom Trane" (inspired by Eddie Harris and John Coltrane) -- were recorded at Woods End Studio in Greenfield Center over the course of just two days this past winter.

Patneaude and his band are celebrating the release of "Variations" with a pair of CD release parties and performances on Friday night that are sure to blow the roof off of the Van Dyck in Schenectady. The band will also be playing at 9 p.m. Sunday at Justin's in Albany.

Brian P · May-13th-2003, 12:52 AM

Wow. Thank you Rollhead for your promotional efforts and thanks to everyone for their kind words. Special thanks to those of you who purchased the record - can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Being a little fish in a huge sea is certainly an uphill battle but thanks to modern day technology I've been able to share my group's music with more people than I ever imagined! Thank you for your support!

In other news, check out Jiveman's just released "Playful Intentions" on the Fresh Sound New Talent label. A highly, highly recommended collection of originals and slightly-off-the-beaten-path covers (Radiohead, Fiona Apple, Brad Mehldau, Charles Ives) played by an incredible cast consisting of Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Carrothers, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard and Mr. Phil Grenadier. You can purchase it here

Tom Storer · May-13th-2003, 02:23 AM

Ah, the Awhb'ny Times Union. I went to school in Albany a quarter-century or so ago and used to go see Brignola and/or J.R. Monterose at the Lark Tavern, among other venues. There was also a local drummer who was very active and had a lot of gigs, but I don't remember the name. This is my imaginary setting for you, Brian P: the Albany pubs of my distant youth. By the way, how do you pronounce your last name? I've been thinking "pat node."

steve(thelil) · May-13th-2003, 08:04 AM

I've watched Brian's growth over the last few years. The man is THE MAN around here. I was bummed I was out of town and had to miss Brian's CD release party at the Van Dyck a couple of Fridays ago.

Anyone in the Capital District on a Tuesday Night (and why WOULDN'T you be?) is best advised to catch Brian's weekly jam session (with co-leader Adrien Cohen) at the Van Dyck (in Schenectady).

Can't wait for the disc to arrive!

rollhead · May-14th-2003, 01:22 PM

For those who don't already know, Brian also plays for a Latin band, Alex Torres y Los Reyes Latinos

Here is a review that mention's Brian P --

TUNES FROM THE DARK SIDE
Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band,
Alex Torres y Los Reyes Latinos
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Nov. 30
by Paul Rapp
for Metroland, Albany, NY
Thursday, December 6th 2001
... Alex Torres and company fired up the crowd with a set that was the polar opposite of Gonzalez’: extroverted, boisterous and up. There were extended periods where pianist Nick Lue’s butt didn’t touch his seat, and percussionist-singer Jimmy Fontenez repeatedly slayed the crowd with his overflowing talent, humor and personality. Torres continues to lead this wild band on their ascent, climbing from the last peak to the next, all while having more fun than people should have a right to. Particularly killer this time were Brian Patenaude’s fiery sax solos and the late-set timbale solo from Roberto Dueno, which just floated over the proceedings like a cloud, then suddenly locked horns with the band without any warning at all.

rollhead · May-14th-2003, 07:46 PM

"Variations" is currently available at:
- www.brianpatneaude.com
- www.cdstreet.com
- Barnes & Noble (Albany, NY & Saratoga, NY)
- Borders (Albany & Saratoga, NY)
- Blue Sky Music Studios (Delmar, NY)
- El Palacio Musical (Amsterdam, NY)
- Cole's Woodwind & Brass Repair (Watervillet, NY)
- Van Curler Music (Albany, NY)

rollhead · May-15th-2003, 10:13 AM

In addition, "Variations" is now featured in the "Red Dot" listening stations at all Barnes & Noble throughout the United States!!! Simply go into any B&N, anywhere, and type in the name of the record or the name of the group and voila, you can listen to 30 second clips of all the tunes.

steve(thelil) · May-15th-2003, 09:23 PM

If this helps, Brian is NOT the kind of guy who would have put Rollhead up to this shameless (especially for a Commie, if, perhaps of the Stalin school ) commercialism.

But really, buy Brian's disc. And tell the poor cashier that thelil told you to.

Thank you.

rollhead · May-15th-2003, 10:41 PM

Well, actually Brian DID NOT put me up to this thread, and when I saw him for my lesson today he seemed a little embarrassed about it.

I told him to suck it up, and take it like a man.

And yes, I am a Commie and I think Brian's CD is just what the masses need.

Brian P · May-16th-2003, 02:39 AM

Thanks Steve ... I must admit I am a little embarrassed by all of Rollhead's promotional posts but I will do my best to "suck it up and take it like a man"!

Rollhead - how about instead of you paying me for lessons I hire you as my publicist?

Tom - You got the pronunciation of my last name right - Pat-Node. Perhaps the local drummer you are thinking of is Hal Miller? He works in the area quite a bit and often brings in out of town players such as pianist Francesca Tanksley and saxophonist Erica Lindsay. He's also known to tap the skins with some guy named Santana from time to time ...

Clunky · May-16th-2003, 05:51 AM

I am very favourably impressed by this CD, good tunes great playing , right up my street.

Mike Schwartz · May-16th-2003, 01:51 PM

Brian;
Francesca lives just outside of Woodstock.
That's practically a 'townie' ;-)