The Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band

The Power Station Sessions

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Power Station Sessions

The esteemed session drummer Pat Petrillo has an impressive resume that includes playing alongside Gloria Gaynor, Patti Labelle and many others, and here the New Jersey resident guides his group through 9 exploratory jazz tunes.

“48th Street” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Nile Rodgers’ bright guitar and Steve Jankowski’s soulful trumpet complement Petrillo’s drumming acrobatics, and “Big Man On Mulberry Street” continues that energy with Oz Noy’s meticulous guitar and David Cook’s fluid piano playing.

Elsewhere, “Black Cow'‘ welcomes Scott Ambush’s bouncy bass and Tom Timko’s elegant woodwinds amid Petrillo’s thumping drums, while “It Won’t Be Long” is populated by John Popper’s inimitable harmonica and Glen Burtnik’s smooth, diverse vocals in the jazz-rock.

Approaching the end, the radiant intimacy of “Knocks Me Off My Feet” embraces John Replogle’s cozy trumpet and Meredith Foreman’s animated alto sax, and the rowdy “Hey, Pocky Way” exits with Garrett Faccone’s upbeat trumpet and Greg Novick’s adventurous bass lines that will get your body moving to the infectious landscape.

An excellent listen that’s never short on R&B, funk, blues, rock and jazz moments, Petrillo and company are well versed in post-bop and fusion sensibilities that ensure a great time.

Travels well with: The Lucky Losers- Standin’ Pat; Early Times & The High Rollers- The Corner