Le Coq Records Launches with All Star Album featuring Patitucci and Colangelo

by Kevin Johnson Wednesday, January 20th, 2021

Le Coq Records is a new label founded by Piero Pata, who has kicked off the company’s releases with a band. The first title is called Le Coq Records Presents The Jazz All Stars, Vol. 1 and features a who’s who of modern jazz performing original tunes as well as classic standards.

The roster includes keyboardists Bill Cunliffe and John Beasley; drummers Vinnie Colaiuta, Marvin “Smitty” Smith and Joe LaBarbera; percussionist Alex Acuña; trumpeters Terell Stafford and Wayne Bergeron; saxophonists Rick Margitza and Ralph Moore; guitarist Jake Langley and vocalist Andy James, among others. Bassists John Patitucci and Chris Colangelo hold down the groove and take some killer solos.

“Though I am a native New Yorker, I spent some wonderful years between
1978 and 1996 in Southern California. Working with Piero Pata and a host of old and
dear friends has been like a family reunion in many ways,” Patitucci states. “Getting a chance to spend time and make music with Alex Acuña, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Beasley, Bill Cunliffe and many others has been a wonderful experience. Piero and Andy are extremely generous people, have a daring vision and the organizational skills to make it all happen for their new record label.”

Hear Patitucci, Acuña, and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith recreate the Mongo Santamaria tune “Afro Blue”. The bassist employs an upright for the melody and groove while soloing and comping with an electric bass.

Another notable bass moment is on “Rockin and Rhythm”, which begins as a full big band arrangement before breaking down at the 2:30 mark to Patitucci and Colangelo getting funky.