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John Patitucci, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Pablo Di Sabatino: Threeo

By Dave Nathan
June 1, 2001
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Threeo is a multi national effort. American John Patitucci, Italian native Paolo Di Sabatino and Horacio Hernandez whose roots are in Cuba get together for a session which merges their respective ideas on jazz music. Even though each has equal billing, it's Paolo Di Sabatino who emerges as dominant player as his piano sets the tone for each piece. This is not to suggest that his cohorts are only there to fill in gaps. To the contrary, they make important contributions to the way the music is presented. But it is the pianist who controls each track with his percussive approach recalling Bud Powell who is remembered with his "Hallucinations".

Innovation sets the way the group approaches each of the three standards on the play list. On "That's All" the melody is stated in the first chorus. Then the group turns the tune upside down with intelligent and meaningful improvising, returning to a to restatement of the melody. Extemporization is enhanced considerably by Hernandez's shifting drum patterns. "Just in Time" is an almost 10 minute undressing and redressing of this tune, similar to what early bopsters did with standards.

Refreshing approaches to standards notwithstanding, the heart of this album is the original material written by Di Sabatino. "Meeting of Memories" is strewn with interesting harmonics allowing Di Sabatino's piano and Patitucci's acoustic bass to exchange ever shifting musical ideas. "Negrito" is a piece filled with passion once more led by the piano with the bass and drums providing counterpoint and foundation. "Sotto la Neve" allows Patitucci to show off his considerable virtuosity on the acoustic bass. This is an album filled with superior playing and is recommended.

Track Listing

F. S. Blues; Coco's Way; Meeting of Memories; Just in Time; Hallucinations; Negrito; A Weaver of Dreams; Sotto la Neve; The old Country; That's All

Personnel

John Patitucci

bass

Paolo Di Sabatino - Piano; John Patitucci - Acoustic and Electric Bass; Horacio Hernandez El Negro - Drums

Album information

Title: Threeo | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Hallway Records

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