Global Jazz Forum: John Patitucci and Adam Cruz
Grammy Award–winning bassist and composer John Patitucci
Image by of Peter Freed
Drummer and composer Adam Cruz
Image courtesy of the artist
One of the leading bass players in jazz today, John Patitucci, and Adam Cruz, a creative force in the international jazz scene, come together to share their knowledge in this forum.
John Patitucci is a Grammy-winning bassist and Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) visiting scholar who has worked extensively with Chick Corea ’97H, Wayne Shorter ’99H, Herbie Hancock ’86H, Stan Getz, and Pat Metheny ’96H. An 11-time Grammy nominee, Patitucci earlier this year released a vinyl-only, subscription-based album on Newvelle Records, Irmãos de Fé, featuring his takes on works by revered Brazilian composers such as Antônio Carlos Jobim and Milton Nascimento. All About Jazz praises the album for its “perfect blend” of respect for the composers’ original intentions and “the adventurous spirit” that makes room for “a unique stamp on these works.” Patitucci regularly performs with BGJI Artistic Director Danilo Pérez and Brian Blade as Children of the Light.
Drummer and composer Adam Cruz is a member of the Danilo Pérez Trio who also has worked with Chick Corea ’97H, Paquito D’Rivera ’03H, Ray Barretto, David Sánchez, and Charlie Hunter. His debut recording as a composer and bandleader, Milestone, was released on Sunnyside Records in 2011.
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute is a performance program designed to foster creativity and musicianship through various musical disciplines, with pianist and composer Danilo Pérez as its artistic director. The BGJI provides a comprehensive contemporary music environment where students are given opportunities to explore their creativity to the highest level possible, advance the power of music as a tool for the betterment of society, and connect musical creative thinking with the natural environment.