Is it possible that Cannonball Adderley has been reincarnated as Patrick Bartley?
I live roughly twenty five hundred miles from New York City, the jazz mecca of planet earth, so my insights into contemporary young musicians primarily come from online platforms like YouTube. It's there that I discover the latest talents, especially through live broadcasts from venues like Small's/Mezzrow, which offer a glimpse into the vibrant New York jazz scene.
A few months back, I stumbled upon an alto saxophonist named Patrick Bartley. His performance was nothing short of astonishing. Bartley is not just prolific in his musical output but also has a significant YouTube presence, showcasing performances, educational content, and insightful discussions. His expertise on the saxophone is unparalleled, and his intelligence and eloquence in communication make him a standout figure in jazz, adeptly leveraging YouTube to reach a wider audience.
Among the videos that highlight his exceptional talent, the performance of "Jeannine" is particularly remarkable. It's clear that pianist Emmet Cohen and Patrick Bartley are among the finest young talents in today's jazz world. Their deep connection to the jazz tradition and their relentless pursuit of musical excellence are evident in their work.
Bartley and Cohen played together before the pandemic but I became aware of Mr. Cohen during the pandemic, when he hosted a series of live webcasts featuring his trio and an impressive lineup of guest artists. Their collaboration continues, signaling a promising era for jazz.
The encouraging takeaway is the emergence of a new generation of jazz musicians. These artists are not only exceptionally skilled but are also embracing platforms like YouTube to produce and share their work, broadening their reach and impact.
Here they play one of my favorite jazz standards, “Jeannine" by Duke Pearson, most notably recorded and performed by Cannonball Adderley. Recorded live in St. Paul, MN at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, September 17, 2021 right before the pandemic. Emmet Cohen - Piano, Patrick Bartley - Alto Sax, Yasushi Nakamura - Bass, and Kyle Poole - Drums
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You’re going to be hearing a lot more from Patrick Bartley and Emmet Cohen. That’s for damn sure!
I must have discovered Emmet Cohen and friends about a year ago. Patrick Bartley impressed me hugely. All these guys are top notch! If you're looking for places where Jazz is the language of the world, this is it.
I love what Patrick says about phrasing. This is an example of an essential detail that's not really addressed in the setting of a college music education. It's the type of detail you get from your mentors, and from assimilating the masters' recordings. He also mentions poetry; creating a 'tone poem' from the words of a poem is a great exercise I use with my own students.