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Brian Patneaude

Repeatedly cited as “Best Jazz” by Metroland magazine, Brian Patneaude is one of the busiest musicians in New York's Capital District. In addition to leading his own quartet, the saxophonist maintains an active performance schedule with the award winning Empire Jazz Orchestra, the seventeen piece juggernaut Big Soul Ensemble and drummer Michael Benedict's hard-bop quintet Bopitude. He has performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Kingston International Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival Saratoga, the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, the Rochester International Jazz Festival and countless clubs and concert halls throughout the Northeast including an eight and a half year weekly residency at Albany's premiere jazz club - Justin's. Over the years he has performed with saxophonists Jimmy Heath, Lee Konitz & David "Fathead Newman", trombonists Curtis Fuller, Slide Hampton & Wycliffe Gordon, trumpeters Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff & Byron Stripling, guitarist Mike Moreno, pianists Bruce Barth & Armen Donelian, bassist Rufus Reid, and vocal sensations The Four Freshmen. Patneaude's latest release "Riverview" (WEPA Records) features guitarist Mike Moreno, organist Jesse Chandler and drummer Danny Whelchel performing a collection of six original compositions and songs by Don Grolnick and Billy Strayhorn.

Brian Patneaude was born on August 8, 1974 in Schenectady, New York. Although his parents encouraged his musical interests at a young age, it wasn't until he heard the music of saxophonists Michael Brecker and David Sanborn that he decided to pursue a career in music. In the fall of 1992 Brian entered The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York to study saxophone with Paul Evoskevich and went on to earn a degree in music education. While at the college he participated in numerous performing ensembles and took part in a two-week tour of Russia. During this time Brian was profiled in the "Auditions" section of Downbeat Magazine (August 1994).

Upon graduation Brian received a full-tuition scholarship to the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati to pursue a master's degree in saxophone performance. While at the Conservatory he studied saxophone with Rick Van Matre and Tom Walsh and jazz improvisation with Pat Harbison. After an intense period of study he returned to the Capital District of New York and performed with some of the region's most popular groups including Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra, the Empire Jazz Orchestra, the Refrigerators, the Adrian Cohen Quartet, Doc Scanlon, the Tom Healy Band, and many more.

The Brian Patneaude Quartet was formed in 2002 and currently features pianist David Caldwell-Mason, bassist Mike DelPrete, and drummer Danny Whelchel. Their music is an organic blend of modern jazz styles, featuring accessible melodies and harmonic textures that appeal to the casual listener and jazz aficionado alike. The group’s close-knit musical relationship and seamless interplay is a result of performances at numerous venues throughout the Northeast. The quartet has been repeatedly cited as “Best Jazz Group” by the writers and readers of Metroland magazine and has gained increasing attention, both nationally and abroad. Tracks from the group’s CDs on WEPA Records - "Riverview" (2009), "As We Know It" (2007), "Distance" (2005) and "Variations" (2002) - have been played on over 50 radio stations worldwide, including the nationally syndicated “Jazz After Hours” with Jim Wilke and “Listen Here!” hosted by Neil Tesser & Mark Ruffin.

Dylan Canterbury: Going Places

Read "Going Places" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic

by Mike Jurkovic
July 27, 2020

Let's just set the record straight from the get-go. Going Places is, hands down and thumbs up, a rousing, full throated, old-school set of rowdy, tightly spun compositions played by some of the best players the Hudson Valley region of New York has to offer. And that promises (and delivers) a sweet, sweet listen because the Hudson Valley is home to lot of great players, both the latest and of legend. Citing Jon Faddis as a guiding light ...

Album Review

Brian Patneaude: All Around Us

Read "All Around Us" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
June 17, 2012

A lot of the good things about All Around Us start from the bottom and work their way up. Saxophonist Brian Patneaude's compositions are a sturdy, coherent lot; they're also rife with odd time signatures, changing tempos, and an amalgam of Latin, funk, and jazz elements. The tunes are a virtual playground for bassist Mike Delprete and drummer/percussionist Danny Whelchel, who, along with pianist David Caldwell-Mason, comprise the ideal rhythm section for Patneaude's designs. With one foot firmly lodged in ...

Album Review

Brian Patneaude: All Around Us

Read "All Around Us" reviewed by Jeff Dayton-Johnson

by Jeff Dayton-Johnson
April 10, 2012

On All Around Us, Albany, New York saxophonist Brian Patneaude's solid quartet delivers a high energy, straight-ahead jazz date.As a saxophonist, Patneaude solos transparently and has a bright sound, set off by a hard-edged technical competence that will remind some of Michael Brecker, as on the complicated line of “Blucocele." On Bronisław Kaper's “Invitation," Patneaude is admirably unfazed by the celebrated 1958 John Coltrane reading of the tune on Standard Coltrane (Prestige, 1962). Patneaude the composer provides compelling ...

Album Review

Brian Patneaude: All Around Us

Read "All Around Us" reviewed by Andrew J. Sammut

by Andrew J. Sammut
April 6, 2012

An active part of the jazz scene in New York's Capital District, Brian Patneaude's fifth album shows off his originality and depth as a tenor saxophonist and composer. The six original compositions and two covers on All Around Us were “inspired by people, places and events" in Patneaude's life, adding a personal gravity to the assured musicianship on display.Listing Michael Brecker, David Sanborn and Hank Mobley among his influences, Patneaude plays with an attractively big, warm tone, more ...

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Album Review

Brian Patneaude: All Around Us

Read "All Around Us" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
February 28, 2012

With All Around Us saxophonist Brian Patneaude delivers a bravura performance as both artist and composer. This superior effort shouts breakthrough for this talented, but not widely known, New York Capital District saxophonist and his crew. The session offers eight brilliantly performed straight-ahead jazz compositions, of which six emanate from Patneaude's pen. Patneaude writes in a similar style to his playing; the heads feature melodic ebbs and flows in a palette of tempos, rhythmic strands and colors. ...

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Album Review

Brian Patneaude: Riverview

Read "Riverview" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
March 13, 2009

Tenor saxophone players have a dilemma that may be seemingly unique to that instrument: a dilemma of sound. While every artist will strive for their unique, personal voice, the tenor saxophonist has to be haunted by the “you-know-it's-them" sounds of greats such as Lester Young, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, and Michael Brecker. What's striking about Brian Patneaude is the utter honesty of his sound. It is thought-generating, full-bodied and inviting; engaging and penetrating on an emotional ...

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Album Review

Brian Patneaude: Riverview

Read "Riverview" reviewed by John Dworkin

by John Dworkin
March 2, 2009

Saxophonist Brian Patneaude, guitarist Mike Moreno, organist Jesse Chandler, and drummer Danny Whelchel are all relatively young, open-minded musicians. While having distinct approaches, they share a modern sense of rhythm and phrasing, often blurring barlines, playing motivically, and possessing the ability to follow their ideas where they seem to go naturally. There's a fluidity of execution which gives the illusion of ease that only the best improvisers can create. These loosely related approaches give Patneaude's fine and understated Riverview a ...

Interview

Brian Patneaude Adds to Quality Discog with "All Around Us"

Source: RJ on Jazz by R.J. DeLuke
March 10, 2012

Compositions, as well as the performance, shine again for saxophonist The Capital District region of New York state is pretty rich in musical talent and has a strong jazz scene, even if it's one that suffers the same trials and tribulations as the national scene. One of it's attributes is saxophonist/composer Brian Patneaude, a fine player and arguably the face of the local jazz scene whether he humbly eschews that (and he does) or not. Annuals polls by Metroland and ...
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Event

Brian Patneaude CD Release Featuring Mike Moreno @ Massry Center for the Arts - Saturday, February 7, 2009

Source: All About Jazz
February 2, 2009

Saxophonist Brian Patneaude will celebrate the release of Riverview, with a concert at The College of Saint Rose's Massry Center for the Arts in Albany, NY.

The performance and CD release will take place Saturday, February 7, at 8 p.m. in the new Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall, Massry Center for the Arts, 1002 Madison Ave., Albany. Admission is $10 or free with a Saint Rose I.D. Tickets are available online at brianpatneaude.com or by phone at 518-434-6756.

For this ...
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Radio

The Jazz Session #28: Brian Patneaude

Source: All About Jazz
September 4, 2007

On the new episode of The Jazz Session, Jason Crane interviews saxophonist and composer Brian Patneaude. His new quartet album is called As We Know It (WEPA Records, 2007). Patneaude was born and raised near Albany, NY. He's chosen to make his musical stand in Albany, and the choice is paying off. Patneaude is a busy musician, whether it's his weekly residency at famed Albany jazz club Justin's or his continuing gig with Grammy-nominated Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra. ...
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Performance / Tour

Brian Patneaude Quartet CD Release Party at WAMC Performing Arts Studio Friday 4/20

Source: All About Jazz
April 12, 2007

BRIAN PATNEAUDE QUARTET TO CELEBRATE CD RELEASE @ WAMC PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO'S LINDA NORRIS AUDITORIUM ON FRIDAY APRIL 20th

On Friday, April 20th, the Brian Patneaude Quartet + 1 will celebrate the release of As We Know It (WEPA Records) with a performance at 8:00pm at the WAMC Performing Arts Studio's Linda Norris Auditorium, 339 Central Ave.,Albany, NY. Tickets for the event are $12 and are available online at www.wamcarts.org or by calling: (518) 465-5233 Ext. 4.

The saxophonist will ...
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Performance / Tour

Brian Patneaude Quartet CD Release Party @ WAMC Performing Arts Studio 3/19/05

Source: All About Jazz
March 16, 2005

On Saturday March 19th, the Brian Patneaude Quartet will celebrate the release of “Distance" (WEPA Records) with a performance at 8 pm at the WAMC Performing Arts Studio's Linda Norris Auditorium, 339 Central Ave., Albany, NY. Ticket reservations are $8 and are available by phone at (518) 465-5233 ext. 4, and at the door on the evening of the show.

“ … lyrical, melodic, musical, & tasteful. Every note has its meaning. Distance makes a statement - a beautiful one.” ...
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Performance / Tour

Brian Patneaude Quartet with Phil Grenadier @ The Van Dyck, Schenectady, NY - 12/20/03

Source: All About Jazz
December 17, 2003

This Saturday, December 20th, trumpeter and Fresh Sound New Talent recording artist Phil Grenadier will join the Brian Patneaude Quartet for a special performance at The Van Dyck (237 Union St. Schenectady, NY). The group will be performing the original music of Phil Grenadier as well as brand new material written by the members of the BPQ.

Originally from San Francisco, Phil Grenadier has made quite a name for himself since relocating to the East Coast in 1988. The Boston-based ...
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Recording

Brian Patneaude Quartet releases "Variations" (WEPA Records)

Source: All About Jazz

Brian Patneaude Quartet releases “Variations" (WEPA Records) WEPA Records is pleased to announce the release of “Variations", the debut recording by the Brian Patneaude Quartet. Formed nearly one year ago, the quartet consists of George Muscatello (guitar), Ryan Lukas (bass), Danny Whelchel (drums) and Brian Patneaude (saxophone). “Variations" is a collection of nine original compositions by the members of the group which have been molded during their popular weekly Sunday night residency at Justin's Restaurant in Albany, NY. The album ...
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Performance / Tour

Brian Patneaude Quartet + 1 featuring Phil Grenadier @ Justin's - Albany, NY 7/14/02

Source: All About Jazz

ALBANY, NY - On Sunday, July 14th, trumpeter and Fresh Sound New Talent recording artist Phil Grenadier will join the Brian Patneaude Quartet for a performance at Justin's Restaurant (301 Lark St., Albany NY).

Brother of bassist Larry Grenadier, the Boston based musician has worked with a plethora of high profile jazz artists including Freddie Hubbard, Bob Belden, Chris Potter, Richie Beirach, Terumasa Hino, Mulgrew Miller, Billy Hart, The Bob Nieske 3, The Matt Gordy Quartet, The Allan Chase Quartet, ...
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"Thoughtful, harmonically intriguing tunes executed by a fine quartet ... Flaunting a burly tone and a depth of feeling in his lines, Patneaude reflects the influence of Michael Brecker in both his playing and composing."
- Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes Magazine

"‘Riverview’ is a truly fine collection of original compositions and tunes by Don Grolnick and Billy Strayhorn that have been given a modern shine."
- CD Baby "Editor's Pick"

"The quartet seemingly plays all the right notes during this irrefutably compelling album that should find itself on a legion of 2009 top-ten lists. (Don't miss out...)"
- Glenn Astarita, JazzReview.com

"‘Riverview’ is a truly fine collection of original compositions and tunes by Don Grolnick and Billy Strayhorn that have been given a modern shine."
- CD Baby "Editor's Pick"

"Honest, direct, and highly enjoyable music from a fine tenorist/composer and his cohorts in art."
- Nicholas F. Mondello, AllAboutJazz.com

"The vibe tends toward the pensive, dark, and subdued with a priority of mood and groove over harmonic gymnastics or chops flexing. Inspired improvising brightens the landscape adding new colors to the composed material and shaping a balance between potential and kinetic energies."
- John Dworkin, AllAboutJazz.com

"Patneaude always brings a questing and highly organized intelligence to his projects, but there’s something special, a real advance, in the melodic flow and force of this music. The saxophonist, composer, arranger and bandleader has hit a new plateau of inspiration and performance in this eight-song album: six originals plus Billy Strayhorn’s “Chelsea Bridge” and Don Grolnick’s “The Cost of Living.” He takes more risks than on previous efforts, confident in the expert support of his bandmates, and the risks pay off every time."
- Michael Hochanadel, The Daily Gazette

"Music need not be overly cerebral, deep, or out there, to evoke meaningful contemplation. Sometimes a strong melody, solid musicianship, and intelligent composition are all that is needed, and Riverview proves that point."
- Mark F. Turner, AllAboutJazz.com

"With any justice, Riverview will reward Patneaude's initiative, pushing his horn and his hometown band up to the next level."
- Michael Eck, Times Union

"The poll-winning young saxophonist has become one of the most prominent jazz voices in New York's Capital Region. This performance gave proof, if proof were needed, that youthful, vibrant jazz still exists outside of New York City." - Alexander Stern, AllAboutJazz.com

"Patneaude and crew explore a post-Michael Brecker world of accessible, melodically astute and harmonically textured music"
- Jazzwise, UK

"... high-caliber jazz performed with gusto, determination and a persuasive vibe."
- Glenn Astirita

"This is smart music that doesn't brag about its IQ, or its hipness quotient. It's music that embraces melody and adventure in equal parts without a trace of irony. It's music that's fearlessly spiritual without ever preaching. It's music with heart."
- Greg Haymes, Times Union, Albany, NY

"As We Know It is another collection of well-written, well- performed originals ... Patneaude's lines and fills here have the clarity and conciseness that were hallmarks of Michael Brecker; however, the beauty and maturity Patneaude brings to As We Know It is all his own. Like the Albany jazz scene, the Brian Patneaude Quartet keeps moving towards the future."
- J Hunter, albanyjazz.com

"This band is a very adept working unit, performing memorable original compositions and comfortable at any tempo that they choose to perform, making this a consistently good album of modern jazz."
- Tim Niland, Jazz & Blues Music Reviews

“ … 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

"Distance is a solid winner from start to finish."
- Greg Haymes, Times Union, Albany, NY

"Distance has muscular, straight-ahead blowing, some lyrical ballads and some change of pace surprises."
- Michael Hochanadel, The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, 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

"... 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

"[Distance is] an outstanding CD, absolutely no question, one of the 5 best I've heard this year."
- Albert Khalis Pride, Jazz Exodus (5/5 stars)

" ... teaches listeners a thing or two about pace ... The disc is filled with winding build-ups and fresh timing."
- Mark Bialczak, Syracuse Post Standard

"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

"A highly accomplished debut recording that truly is the sum of some excellent parts"
- The All Music Guide (****)

" ... a super-hip sound ... perfectly balances inventive improvisation with slippery-smooth melodies for a sound as refreshing as it is classic."
- Seven Days, Burlington, VT

"Variations is the work of young professionals who have developed their own ideas about the direction of their music and customize their compositions to fit their musical personalities ... the tightness of the quartet establishes a distinctive style that constantly catches the listener off guard with it's unpredictability ... you'll be hearing more of Patneaude's quartet in the future"
- Cadence

" ... a fabulous recording ... amazingly fresh in both concept and execution"
- Mike Schwartz KSJS 90.5 FM, San Jose, CA

"We'll be hearing a great deal from this group in years to come."
- AllAboutJazz.com

"... a wonderful, tightly supportive combination of a wide variety of elements ... performed at the highest level of musicianship"
- "A Place For Jazz"

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