Brian Patneaude: Riverview

Tenor saxophone players have a dilemma that may be seemingly unique to that instrument: a dilemma of sound. While every artist will strive for their unique, personal voice, the tenor saxophonist has to be haunted by the "you-know-it's-them" sounds of greats such as Lester Young, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, and Michael Brecker. What's striking about Brian Patneaude is the utter honesty of his sound. It is thought-generating, full-bodied and inviting; engaging and penetrating on an emotional and intellectual level that comes from within.

Riverview delivers eight delightful selections, of which six display Patneaude's fine compositional skills. All frame his and the group's superb playing. Backed by Jesse Chandler on organ (a very nice and fitting choice), Mike Moreno's wonderful guitar and Danny Whelchel's tasteful drums; Patneaude flies beautifully on each tune. Lyricism is the game here, with smooth playing and depth.

The title cut meanders on a haunting eight-note motif and sends the group off and running. "By Reason of the Soil" and "Jolo" offer involving melodic and improvisational strings. "Cost of Living" broods, while the laconic "Release" and the Latin-like "Drop" provoke. "Chelsea Bridge," from the Billy Strayhorn songbook, is a perfect vehicle for Patneaude's yearning tones and Moreno's perfectly placed notes.

Riverview requires involved listening. Like a Zen rock garden, there are small sonorous gems placed here and there to discover with each listening; there's plenty on which to meditate. Honest, direct, and highly enjoyable music from a fine tenorist/composer and his cohorts in art.