I moved to New York to play jazz. In 1980 I hooked up with Patrick, a composer/alto saxophonist. Many a late night was spent in his loft at 146 w 25th St. practicing Charlie Parker, Monk, and a host of other great modern jazz standards. Soon though we set our sights on Patricks original tunes. The difficulty level of his compositions I can only compare to George Russell although Patrick had different time signatures and tempos going simultaneously adding another level of complexity. It was almost impossible to play. I used to walk home from those sessions at 4 in the morning with my head hanging low. I never felt I did his music justice. Those sessions did produce two excellent albums though.
INTRODUCING:SOUP/The Patrick Brennan Ensemble and
MOLTEN OPPOSITES We used to play The Montreal Jazz Festival. I remember staying with Patrick Darby there who had a huge 'out jazz' collection. I spent hours making tapes from his records. I got to work with the amazing Bern Nix, guitarist from Ornette Coleman. Another special treat was working with Marvin Blackman tenor saxophone. After Patrick left for Europe I joined Greg Alper and Dog Eat Dog, Marc Holen and The Rump Rollers, and The Fabulous Flint Brothers.
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