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John Petrucelli: Presence

By Dustin Mallory
September 9, 2018
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The sophomore effort from saxophonist

John Petrucelli

saxophone, tenor
b.1988

" data-original-title="" title="">John Petrucelli is a fresh and timely release of original compositions that were recorded in 2017 at the New Hazlett Theatre in Pittsburgh. The forthcoming album, titled Presence, pairs a jazz quintet with a string quartet as they perform John's majestic ten-movement suite. The album also features a guest appearance from

Melvin Butler

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Melvin Butler of

Brian Blade

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Blade's Fellowship Band. From the outset, John poses the question "Where are we going, what are we doing? The easiest of questions, with a peculiar answer; that forces conspire to constrain and restrain. To bend us, at times unyielding to desires incomprehensible." It's an expression worth pondering as Presence unfolds.

Petrucelli isn't just a performer/composer, but a deep-thinker as well. He holds degrees in Philosophy, Jazz Studies, Jazz History & Research, and a recently finished Ph.D. with dissertation work on the

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter Quartet. His performing credits include work with

Geri Allen

piano
1957 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Geri Allen,

Delfeayo Marsalis

trombone
b.1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Delfeayo Marsalis, Paquito D'Rivera, and

Terence Blanchard

trumpet
b.1962

" data-original-title="" title="">Terence Blanchard. He has also been a force on the college jazz circuit, performing with big bands at Loyola University, University of Virginia, University of Pittsburgh, and Rutgers University. As an educator, he has served as an Artist-in-Residence at the University of Virginia and was recently appointed the Director of Jazz Studies at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. Despite his incredible performing capacity and r��sum��, Petrucelli's gifts have largely flown under the radar. Presence has the potential to change that.

The album begins with a saxophone prelude that states the motivic mission of Presence. The string quartet's introduction to "Intentions" is followed in antiphony by the quintet. Then, the entire ensemble joins together supporting the soaring saxophone/guitar melodies. Petrucelli's solo spins a web of chromaticism around his declarative melodies.

Peter Park

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Peter Park follows with an exceptional solo displaying audible influences that range from

Jim Hall

guitar
1930 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Hall to

Kurt Rosenwinkel

guitar
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Kurt Rosenwinkel.

The elements that shine through most in Presence is Petrucelli's compositional abilities and commitment to integrity in performance. "Field of Heaven" presents serene, pastoral textures that give way to a playful rhythmic-romp before returning home to the pasture. In "Summon the Spirit," harmonic contours from the strings and piano support floating melodies. Petrucelli's solo unfolds like a story. The tale gains complexity and energy with each passing bar, eventually leading to bellicose cries before resolving into calm. Lines become balanced, indirect melodies before handing the baton off to the piano.

John Petrucelli's Presence moves him closer to the jazz pantheon.

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Track Listing

Prelude, Intentions, Field of Heaven, Bridge Not An End, Garden of Angels, Sly, Summon The Spirit, For One To Know, Scallop Shell of Quiet, Mercury Crossing.

Personnel

John Petrucelli

saxophone, tenor

John Petrucelli: tenor saxophone; Melvin Butler: guest tenor saxophone; Melissa Hernandez: violin; Ashley Freeburn: violin; Olga Taimonov: viola; Katya Janpoladyan: cello; Peter Park: guitar; Brett Williams: piano; Paul Thompson: bass; Gusten Rudolph: drums.

Album information

Title: Presence | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Self Produced

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