John Patitucci - Imprint (2000)

Bassist John Patitucci has retained a certain rhythmic flair from his time with former employer Chick Corea, as well as the more intangible trick of knowing how to inspire great musicians to play as a great band. While most jazz lovers want to hear choice melodies, vibrant arrangements, and meaningful, concise solos, these desires are amplified and concentrated in the professional musician, who knows that improvisation is the proving ground of experience and a window to the artist's soul. Surrounded by an excellent cast, Patitucci supplies melodies and arrangements (many in a Latin vein) that act as springboards to some very edgy and explosive improvisations on Imprint. Drummers Jack DeJohnette and Horacio Hernandez, along with percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, supply rhythmic fire while the front-line attack is maneuvered by pianists Danilo Perez and John Beasley, as well as tenor saxophonists Mark Turner and Chris Potter. Imprint blisters, with Turner and DeJohnette's muscular mayhem on "Little Steps," Perez and Hernandez's time-tumbling essays on the title track, and Potter's classy playing throughout. Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" closes the CD with a Patitucci-Hidalgo duet that's a tour de force performance for both. In the best sense of the phrase, this is musicians' music. --Ken Micallef

Featuring: John Patitucci - bass, kalimba; Chris Potter - tenor and soprano saxophones; Mark Turner - tenor saxophone; John Beasley - piano; Danilo Perez - piano; Horacio 'El Negro' Hernández - drums; Jack DeJohnette - drums; Giovanni Hidalgo - congas, percussion; Sachi Patitucci - kalimba