PAT PETRILLO

CONTEMPORANEOUS

Innervision Records

Multi-talented, Pat Petrillo opens with “Fused,” an exciting, high-energy composition he wrote with Chris Fischer.  His ensemble introduces us to jazz fusion in an exciting way. Perhaps his liner notes describe this music best saying:

“A mashup of Snarky Puppy and the Brecker Brothers, jamming with Weather Report at Grover Washington Jr.’s backyard barbecue in Philly.”

They follow this showstopper with a blues called “Late Night Diner.”  I enjoyed this tune so much, I had to play it twice.  It swings, with the horn section bright and punchy.  Phillip Wack shines during his saxophone solo. All the while, the drums of Pat Petrillo pushes the music forward like a determined snowplow.

A tune called “Summer in Philly” features Will Donato on tenor saxophone and celebrate smooth jazz in a very cool way.  The melody is catchy and the groove will have you snapping your fingers and tapping your toes. So far, every tune on this Pat Petrillo release is entirely entertaining and enjoyable.

February of 2023, Pat Petrillo appeared on the cover of Modern Drummer Magazine. He’s one of those energized drummers who has played with iconic names like Patti LaBelle and Gloria Gaynor, Oz Noy and Nile Rodgers. He’s also worked with Broadway orchestras behind shows like “A Chorus Line,” “Grease,” “Footloose” and more.

On Pat’s original tune “Grizzle” the band jumps strongly, with both feet, into a fusion groove that will suck the listener into the mix like quicksand. Once this energy grabs you, it won’t let go. The addition of a swamp harmonica, played by Rob Paparozzi, brings soul to the arrangement.  The same infectious energy steps forward in Pat’s song, “Dirty Jerz.”  Petrillo is a wonderful composer, as well as a proficient drum master. This album is a pick-me-upper, thanks to his choice of great musicians and Petrillo’s own relentless, funky drums!

His amazing bandmembers are: Pat Petrillo, drums/percussion/keyboards/composer; Scott Ambush & Joseph Quiles, bass; Blake Aaron, B.D. Lenz, Chieli Minucci & Richie Nobrega Jr., guitar; Matt Rohde, Plinky Giglio & Mike Baron, keyboards; Chris Fisher, keyboards/Fender Rhodes/composer; Mike Cordone & Steve Jankowski, trumpet; Lemar Guillary, trombone; Tom Timko, tenor saxophone; Phillip Wack, alto & soprano saxophone. SPECIAL GUESTS: Oz Noy, guitar; Gary Grainger, bass; Scott Mayo, tenor saxophone; Chieli Minucci, guitar; Will Donato, tenor Saxophone/flute; Rob Paparozzi, /swamp harmonica.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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