Music is a lifelong journey, a sentiment perfectly embodied by John Patitucci, a musician who has dedicated nearly fifty years to his craft. Starting his musical path at the age of ten, Patitucci’s career is a testament to the power of diverse experiences and continuous learning. From playing in various bands, including Elvis impersonation gigs and wedding receptions, to garage bands and school shows, he immersed himself in the practicalities of performance. This early “grunt work,” as he calls it, was foundational, emphasizing that musical mastery cannot be rushed. Initially self-taught, playing by ear, Patitucci’s formal musical education began when he learned to read music, opening up a new world of musical exploration and study.
A seasoned musician deeply connected to his instrument, a man holding a guitar with expertise and passion.
His formal training at music school for three years focused on classical bass, but his learning extended beyond the classroom. Seeking further refinement, he continued his musical education independently, learning piano and drums, broadening his musical palette. This accumulation of diverse skills proved invaluable when artists like Wayne Shorter called upon him to create music spontaneously. Patitucci emphasizes that a well-rounded musicality, built upon years of varied experiences, is crucial for responding to such creative challenges.
Patitucci contrasts academic musical knowledge with practical, “organic” understanding. He notes that while someone with only academic experience might discuss music theoretically, they might lack the practical ability to play and apply that knowledge. True musicianship, he argues, involves not just technical proficiency but also an intuitive understanding of how an instrument functions within different musical styles, built upon a solid foundation of experience.
His long-standing collaboration with Wayne Shorter began with Shorter’s 1986 album Atlantis. Patitucci describes these early collaborations as more structured, with improvisations based on single chords. This contrasted with the later Wayne Shorter Quartet, where the emphasis shifted to spontaneous creation. While some might find the idea of “creating music from nothing” daunting, Patitucci explains that the deep relationships within the quartet, built on mutual respect and shared musical foundations, made this possible. He highlights the band members’ commitment to musical structure and their extensive study of music through both academic and practical means – listening, transcribing, and performing. This shared foundation in rhythm and groove creates an “unshakeable” base for their improvisations. Crucially, he points out that all members are composers in their own right, leading to a collective and multifaceted approach to music creation.
In such collaborative environments, Patitucci explains, the focus transcends individual instrumental performance. Musicians become deeply engaged in the overall arrangement, constantly reacting and contributing to the evolving musical landscape. This requires a shift from thinking, “I’m going to play this cool bass line,” to “How can I support what’s happening musically? What can I add to the texture?” This intuitive, composer-centric approach, while seemingly spontaneous, is the product of years of development and experience.
Patitucci’s recent work includes rehearsing with Wayne Shorter for an opera, a project that has been ongoing for some time. This collaboration has reached a stage of fleshing out parts for singers and refining orchestrations. He describes Wayne Shorter’s music as “truly free jazz,” aimed at creating “improvised compositions.” Danilo Perez, another collaborator, describes their process as “compromising,” highlighting the collaborative composition that occurs in real-time. This music, Patitucci notes, possesses more form, rhythm, and harmonic complexity than typical free jazz. It ranges from dense, textural moments to more structured passages, blurring the lines between written and improvised music.
This deep musical partnership with Wayne Shorter, spanning decades, has also been a mentorship. Patitucci credits Shorter with teaching him how to be a mentor himself. Even in sessions where Patitucci is the senior musician, Wayne Shorter, often the most experienced person in the room, commands respect and deference, not just for his genius but also for his wisdom and character. Patitucci emphasizes that learning is a continuous process, extending beyond age, and respect should be given to all. He also notes the importance of stepping up to lead and inspire others when needed, even if it means venturing into uncharted musical territory.
Wayne Shorter’s unwavering pursuit of musical excellence is a constant inspiration. His collaborative approach, sharing his vision without possessiveness, is a “lesson in humility.” Patitucci concludes that Shorter’s influence is a testament to the endless possibilities of musical learning, regardless of experience or age.
Photographs courtesy of the author.
For more information, go to johnpatitucci.com.
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