
Bassist, composer, and arranger John Patitucci is a pillar of outstanding musicianship in the contemporary jazz genre. The Live In Italy recordings capture the essence of spontaneity and musical camaraderie recorded during a memorable tour across Italy in July 2021. This live album documents a series of exceptional performances and an insightful case study into the dynamic interplay between Patitucci and saxophone and drums within a chordless trio format in the jazz idiom.
Joining Patitucci on this release are three distinguished musicians with a palpable chemistry among them. Grammy-winning saxophonist Chris Potter and the extraordinary drummer Brian Blade. Their long history of collaborative interplay is evident throughout the set, lending the recording an immediacy and intimacy that transcends the usual confines of a live session. Patitucci’s reflective commentary on the tour—emphasizing freedom, connection, and shared influences—provides an essential lens through which listeners can appreciate both the technical mastery and the emotional depth of the performance.
After listening to the album as a whole, a theme of expressive fluidity in interactions reveals a deliberate interplay between each musician in the development of the improvisation. The set opens with a contemporary exploration of the bop statement “Visa (Live),” a piece originally inspired by Charlie Parker’s blues that the trio revisits with a renewed sense of urgency and creative reinterpretation. Here, Potter’s incisive saxophone lines and Blade’s nuanced, textural drumming complement Patitucci’s lyrical bass playing. The rhythmic fluidity of the three is impressive as they flow between swing, funk, and contemporary swing.
“Out West (Live)” emerges as a contemporary composition that seemingly channels the vast, open expanses of musical explorations by the trio. Patitucci’s inspiration from the band Old and New Dreams—an ensemble known for its boundary-pushing explorations of chordless jazz—resonates in the piece’s expansive interaction and thoughtful rhythmic and harmonic shifts. In this track, the synthesis of detailed listening with spontaneous improvisation invites the listener to experience a journey that is as much about the space as it is about the notes expressed in time.
The conceptual framework of modern life is poignantly addressed in “Three Pieces of Glass (Live).” Inspired by the pervasive influence of technology—the phone, computer, and television—this composition offers a modern jazz commentary on today’s society. Potter’s long, structured, and expressive lines interact with Blade’s deft and rhythmic motifs, creating a conversation that reflects the promise and the peril of technological advancement. Patitucci’s bass playing throughout energizes the audience to listen deeply, as his bass lines draw parallels between the art of modern communication and the expressive power that can be found in contemporary jazz.
Midway through the album, the energy shifts with the explosive funk and forward momentum of “Mali (Live).” This performance is stunning in its collective improvisation: each musician assumes a temporary leadership role, propelling the music through a series of ecstatic, spontaneous musical conversations. The dynamic interplay here is a testament to the trio’s ability to communicate nonverbally, turning each song into a fluid narrative. Patitucci’s electric bass playing on this track is robust and reflects his rock-solid sense of time.
“Echoes of Scarlatti (Live)” offers a striking tribute to the late Chick Corea with a homage grounded in the classical roots of jazz. Based on a Scarlatti sonata in D minor, this piece underscores the enduring dialogue between classical and jazz traditions. Potter’s soprano saxophone weaves intricate counterpoints around Patitucci’s lyrical electric bass, while Blade’s drumming provides the unwavering interactive backbone. The moments of interplay are surrounded by each musician leading a celebration of individual musical expression of innovative spirit.
The album closes with an animated rendition of the standard “Without a Song (Live).” In this finale, the trio channels the energy and spontaneity characteristic of a live jazz performance. Potter’s animated delivery and Blade’s inventive rhythmic explorations converge around Patitucci’s commanding presence on the bass, ensuring that the performance resonates with meaningful jazz energy.
Live In Italy documents Patitucci’s live performance artistry in the realm of contemporary chordless trio. It encapsulates the vibrant energy of a live tour with personal exchanges, spontaneous improvisations, and respectful listening. For jazz that offers a rich first-class listening, John Patitucci’s storied Live In Italy will not disappoint. That’s the short of it!
Connect with John Patitucci: Website |

