After he moved to New York in 1979, Bobby Previte soon became a leading downtown player. Till now, though, the drummer and composer’s music hadn’t won me over in the way that “Pan Atlantic” does. On this superb studio recording made in Turin, an intriguing set of originals are strikingly and passionately realised by Previte’s new European group. Born in 1957, he was brought up playing soul and rock music in the bars and clubs of Niagara Falls, NY, and later studied at the University of Buffalo. After moving to NYC, he became recognised for inspirational drumming and original compositions.
The Pan Atlantic Band began in 2008 after Previte met leading Italian trombonist Gianluca Petrella. The drummer had wanted to form a European band, and asked Petrella to join, then hooked Viennese saxophonist Wolfgang Puschnig. On piano is Parisian Benoit Delbecq, equally at home with the modern composition of such as John Cage as with jazz. Danish electric bass player Nils Davidsen completes an excellent pan-European line-up.
What is really striking about the album are the compositions by the leader which comprise it. Previte has achieved a swinging feel on rock rhythms like no other drummer, and that’s the dominant feel on these mostly loud, brash but occasionally dark and always brilliantly-conceived pieces. Jazz-rock is an obvious influence, with electric bass and keyboards, and both horn-players produce a big sound. But this is a sophisticated take on the genre, featuring strong solos for all those involved. A highly recommended release. (“Live In Europe”, a radio recording from the same band, made at the same time, is downloadable from http://bobbyprevite.bandcamp.com/album/the-pan-atlantic-band-live-in-europe).
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