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John Patitucci
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I'll
never forget the first time I heard John Patitucci.
It was 1982 and I was coming out of my morning Recording
Arts class. As I walked out the door, an incredible
5/4 funk bass groove was blasting from the other side
of the campus, so I ran all the way there to hear who
was playing. Of course this was before the whole musical
world knew about him, but even then it was obvious that
John had a special gift that would secure his place
amongst the great bass innovators of our time.
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John Patitucci
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John's
background reveals his love of musical diversity. Born in
Brooklyn, New York, John grew up listening to the Beatles
and Motown artists (James Jamerson being a major influence).
He picked up the bass when he was 11 and played in a garage
band with his older brother Thomas. In 1972 the Patitucci
family moved to northern California where John continued honing
his rock chops while also working with gospel groups and widening
his understanding of jazz. John went on to study classical
bass extensively at San Francisco State University. In 1978
John came to southern California and immersed himself in the
burgeoning L.A. jazz scene. His first high-exposure gig came
with pianist Gap Mangione. By the 80's he had established
himself as a versatile sideman and session ace working with
the likes of Ry Cooder, Herbie Hancock, Tom Scott, Robben
Ford, Stan Getz, Larry Carlton, Freddie Hubbard, Roby Duke,
Ernie Watts, Lee Ritenour, and Dave Gruisin.
Patitucci's
reputation went international in 1985 when Chick Corea sought
him as a founding member for both his Elektric and Akoustic
Bands. John has garnered praise from critics and fans alike,
consistently winning polls for "Best Jazz Bassist" and "Best
Acoustic Bassist" from the readers of Guitar Player, Jazziz,
and other music publications.
The development of John's unique 6 string
solo voice has blossomed into a rich solo career including
5 albums recorded for GRP. His album, "Another World" was
nominated for a 1993 Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.
He also simultaneously released the artistic triumph "Heart
of the Bass" on Corea's Stretch label showcasing his orchestral
compositions with trumpeter/composer Jeff Beal. John has recently
gone "bi-coastal" setting up shop near his roots of the New
York Jazz scene.
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