" ... lyrical, melodic, musical, & tasteful. Every note has its meaning. Distance makes a statement - a beautiful one."
- Jeff Waggoner - contributing writer, Jazz Times
"Distance continues on in the pattern established by Patneaude's debut, seamlessly incorporating world rhythms and textures, tasteful shadings of free-jazz inspired oddity, and smoky slow groove, all of which are threaded together by Patneaude's unfailingly lyrical and melodic tenor."
- Metroland, Albany, NY
"Distance is a solid winner from start to finish."
- Greg Haymes, Times Union, Albany, NY
"The group is extremely tight and its music is like nothing else. Sounding at various turns exuberant, soaring, grooving, or longing, it leaves you in suspense from one track to the next about what is going to happen. Even within a track, the music is never predictable, and many times the band's total sound can sweep you away."
- AllAboutJazz.com
"Distance has muscular, straight-ahead blowing, some lyrical ballads - "Alone" may be Patneaude's most evocative slow melody ever - and some change of pace surprises."
- Michael Hochanadel, The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, NY
"... deceptively accessible, flavored with rhythm and melody that's fun and funky and sure to lift your spirits. Distance stays with you."
- B.A. Nilsson, Metroland, Albany, NY
"[Distance is] an outstanding CD, absolutley no question, one of the 5 best I've heard this year."
- Albert Khalis Pride, Jazz Exodus (5/5 stars)
"The musicians are in total control of their instruments on brilliantly composed, eclectic music - a blend which gives the listener further reason to celebrate the music of Distance. Patneaude, as a composer and tenor player, glistens with great potential and the group's strong presence compliments his efforts 100%."
- Rob Young, Abstract Grooves
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Formed in 2002, The Brian Patneaude Quartet has quickly become one of the most well-known jazz acts in upstate New York. The group was named "Best Jazz" by Metroland magazine in 2003 & 2004 and has performed at countless venues throughout the Northeast, including a weekly Sunday night residency at Albany's most respected jazz venue - Justin's. The quartet's critically acclaimed 2003 debut recording Variations (WEPA Records) featured a flowing, straight ahead jazz sound with subtle hints of fusion and 20th century classical music.
Now in 2005, the group has unveiled it's highly anticipated second WEPA Records release. Distance is an organic blend of jazz styles, featuring accessible melodies and harmonic textures that will appeal to both the casual listener and jazz aficionado alike. The quartet continues to develop it's unique signature sound while employing new experimental textures, adding a fresh dimension to the sonic quality of their sophomore album.
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BRIAN PATNEAUDE (tenor saxophone)
Named "Best Jazz" by Metroland magazine in 2003 and 2004, Brian Patneaude is easily one of the busiest musicians of New York's 'Capital District'. In addition to leading his own Quartet (with two critically acclaimed releases to their credit) the saxophonist also maintains an active performance schedule with salsa/merengue favorites Alex Torres and his Latin Orchestra, the DJ + live instruments project Nouveau Chill, and the award winning Empire Jazz Orchestra. While not performing, Patneaude maintains www.albanyjazz.com, an online guide to the region's jazz community.
GEORGE MUSCAETELLO (guitar)
The seeds of the quartet were planted back in 1995 when Brian was first introduced to guitarist George Muscatello. Muscatello had just returned to the area after studying at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City. While at Manhattan the guitarist honed his skills with Wayne Krantz and Rodney Jones while immersing himself in the music of modern classical composers such as Bela Bartok and Leo Brouwer. The guitarist has since become quite well known throughout the Capital District for his weekly jazz series at Savannah's (which ran every Monday night for three years) and the Lionheart Cafe (every Tuesday night for four years before that) in addition to performances with such heavy hitters such as Nick Brignola, Chuck D'Aloia, and Dave Calarco. George brings a unique sound and compositional approach to the quartet with his many musical influences ranging from free jazz to contemporary classical.
DANNY WHELCHEL (drums)
Drummer Danny Whelchel spent the majority of his life in Lafayette, Louisiana before moving to upstate New York in the fall of 1997. Since that time he has performed with a slew of the area's top talent including Ray Alexander, Adrian Cohen, Soul Session, Carl Landa, Amy Abdou, Jeff Gonzales, Bob Warren, Michael Jerling, Jocamo, Pangaea, Out Of Control, and the Refrigerators. Danny is currently dance accompanist with the Ellen Sinopoli Company and the Emma Wilard School.
RYAN LUKAS (acoustic bass)
Originally from Rochester, NY, bassist Ryan Lukas studied at the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY before relocating to New York's Capital District. In addition to the quartet, the in-demand acoustic & electric bassist performs regularly with the Latin groups Sensemaya and Mundo Nuevo, blue band Burbon Renewal w/George Fletcher, the Joey Thomas Big Band, jazz vocalist Laurel Masse, keyboardist Rob Lindquist, hip hop combo Fund the Mentals, and Tom Burre's Boneoil. Ryan also co-leads Family Tree with drummer Steve Candlen.
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