Label: Edition Records
Personnel - John Patitucci: acoustic and electric bass; Chris Potter: tenor and soprano saxophone; Brian Blade: drums.
Spirit Fall marks a virtuosic and high-energy album from bassist and composer John Patitucci, who leads an irresistible all-star New York trio featuring saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer Brian Blade. Together, they infuse nine Patitucci originals and one cover with their distinct creative flair.
In the wickedly inventive opener, “Think Fast”, the trio propels the music forward, embracing a lively atmosphere brimming with humor and groove. Potter, a fearless improviser, seamlessly blends folk and post-bop elements with articulate, sophisticated phrasing. Patitucci’s solo stands out for its rhythmic inventiveness and magnetic note alignments, while Blade’s elegant drumming remains transparent yet propulsively engaging. The drummer collaborates closely with Patitucci on “Pole Star”, painting vivid tonal landscapes that lend the piece a palpable tactility. Here, Patitucci delivers a robust, precise bass solo, while Potter's saxophone statement stirs both energy and emotion.
“Deluge on 7th Avenue” finds the ace rhythm section crafting an infectious funky groove before settling into a 12-bar blues form. Another deliberate funk crusade is offered in “Lipim”, which means hope in the Yemba language from Cameroon. A compelling groove and constructive saxophone lines drenched in effects make it more stimulating. Less ferocious yet equally effective, their rendition of Wayne Shorter’s “House of Jade” feels both seductive and empowering, with Potter’s dramatic leaps perfectly balanced by the nearly telepathic rapport between Patitucci and Blade.
On “Thoughts and Dreams”, Patitucci demonstrates remarkable technical prowess, extracting superb intonations from his six-string electric bass. He stretches with elastic grace during the introspective, abstract opening before transitioning to a blues-inflected closing segment. The title track, “Spirit Fall”, embarks on a phenomenal modal journey filled with splendid bass guitar chords as well as searing soprano saxophone licks and exultant drum fills. In turn, “Sonrisa” astutely links contemporary jazz to Latin rhythms, maintaining fluidity while showcasing Patitucci’s deep allegiance to groove and fusion. These are pieces that resonate with profound inspiration, echoing the enduring influence of Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and Chick Corea.
Recorded in a single day, Spirit Fall is an accessible album whose tracks are layered from interesting angles, fostering unity and spiritual growth in today’s fragmented world. The trio distills their pure sounds with humanity and power, and their effort results in a thoroughly exciting and rewarding listening experience.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Think Fast ► 02 - Pole Star ► 05 - Spirit Fall