When GRP dropped
John Patitucci in 1996, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The bassist found a supportive new home in Concord Jazz, where his creativity was encouraged and he was able to take his share of chances. Just as 1998's cerebral
Now was a departure from 1996's introspective, deeply personal
One More Angel,
Imprint finds
Patitucci surprising his followers once again by emphasizing Latin elements. Employing drummer
Jack DeJohnette and saxman
Chris Potter, as well as Latino improvisers, pianist
Danilo Perez and drummer/percussionist
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez,
Imprint is the most Latin-minded album that he recorded in the 1990s. However,
Imprint isn't Latin jazz in the sense that
Poncho Sanchez is Latin jazz -- it is more intellectual and less direct, and it's not as accessible. While
Sanchez's releases tend to favor immediacy and take an extroverted, party-time approach, that's hardly what
Patitucci is going for on this acoustic post-post-jazz effort. Sticking to the upright bass,
Patitucci delivers an album that is almost as intellectual as
Now, but with an emphasis on Latin rhythms. For those who aren't afraid of being challenged,
Imprint is a welcome addition to the bassist's catalogue. ~ Alex Henderson