Search - Michel Petrucciani :: Power of Three

Excellent

Bill Your 'Free Form FM Handi Cyber | Mahwah, NJ USA | 06/08/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I was a teeny in fall, 1986, I got to see Michel Patrucianni in New Jersey--William Paterson University, then William Paterson Collage, had a class A jazz department, which put on Sunday afternoon jazz concerts. The most heart breaking was watching ten of thirty people walk out on violin player Leroy Jankins.



But the crowd loved Michel Patrucianni, and back when I did not know my Louie Armstong from my Steve Coleman, I did too. And this album reminds me why: With guitarist Jim Hall and Miles-alumni Wayne Shorter, Power Of Three was recorded in France in 1986.



Petrucianni worked from the Bill Evans school, but was not afraid to experiment, evident on the dissonant blues chess game he plays with Hall, "Careful," which does give a tightrope walk nuance. The trio also does more traditional material like Sonny Rollins "Oleo" and "In A Sentimental Mood."



With most post-1960s jazz going back to older forms, it is really not about what is played but the players interactions, and, well, if Petrucianni invited company over to France, he sure got the A-team. Hall can both comp and pick with astounding detail, and we all know about Shorter's ability to take the most traditional jazz and solo on it like Coltrane. Coming out of the 1960s gives you a a wider range of skills.



Petrucianni-who has sadly died since-was a traditional lyricist, but he rockets and lilts around his cohorts nimbly. Nothing on Power Of Three--well, possibly "Careful," has the edge of classic '60s Blue Note, but in terms of skill, you can't do better.



Free Form Sandwhich





Muddy Waters--Manish Boy (1977 Hard Again Version)

Michelle Patrucianni-Careful

Steely Dan-Aja"