Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Patrick Prouty: The Charmed Life

Patrick Prouty: The Charmed Life

By John Barron
October 7, 2007
Sign in to view read count

Detroit bassist/composer Patrick Prouty is one of the more dynamic musical voices to emerge out of the Motor City in recent years. Having recently completed a lengthy tenure as a member of soul legend Bettye Lavette's road band, the in-demand bassist has decided to focus on a more personalized musical vision. The Charmed Life, Prouty's debut as a leader, is a muscular, straight-ahead release featuring pianist Phil Kelly, vibraphonist Rob Pipho and drummer Bill Higgins, Jr.

Prouty takes an unremitting approach to the bass. Whether walking, soloing or playing a melody, the bassist pours heart and soul into every note. While one can hear traces of Ray Brown ("Higgins' Theme ), Scott LaFaro ("Waltzing with Jenny ) and Charlie Haden ("Remembering Section 403 ), Prouty demonstrates a voice on the bass that is entirely unique and void of direct imitation.

Prouty's band mates, all veterans of the Detroit jazz scene, create a flow of swinging consistency through intuitive listening and imaginative soloing. Kelly is a lyrical pianist who patiently elevates the intensity of each tune. He lends exquisite charm to the title track and the cascading "Champs-Elysees 1951. Pipho demonstrates a modern, forward-looking approach with a firm understanding of tradition. The vibraphonist is featured prominently on the free-form "Rhythm Section and the ultra-greasy "Lowell Fulsom Prison Blues. Higgins propels the session tirelessly, prodding and poking to entice inspired results from each soloist. His dizzying drum romp on "South-West is a disc highlight.

Through inspired performances and Prouty's well crafted compositions, The Charmed Life succeeds as an endearing introduction to a musician of unwavering conviction.

Track Listing

Remembering Section 403; South-West; Higgins

Personnel

Patrick Prouty

bass

Patrick Prouty: double-bass; Bill Higgins, Jr.: drums; Phil Kelly: piano; Rob Pipho: vibraphone.

Album information

Title: The Charmed Life | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Leedle Music

< Previous
Shock Value: Live at Smoke

Next >
Orrin Keepnews' Collection

Comments

About Patrick Prouty

Instrument: Bass

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.