John Patitucci's
Line by Line is mostly a quiet and thoughtful affair. The performances often feature close interplay between the bassist and guitarist
Adam Rogers, with stimulating support from drummer
Brian Blade and occasional guest appearances by the great tenor
Chris Potter. The music is adventurous but often lyrical, with
Patitucci being a key soloist but not completely dominating the performances, giving his sidemen plenty of space of their own. It is interesting to hear the mellow-toned
Rogers rocking out a bit on
Thelonious Monk's "Evidence." In addition to a
Patitucci-
Rogers duet on "Nana" and a closing solo electric bass solo on "Tone Poem," two selections add a string quartet and one has a string quintet. Of these, "Theme and Variations for 6-String Bass and Strings" is a major third stream work that reminds listeners that
John Patitucci is a very skilled composer in addition to being one of jazz's finest bassists. Recommended. This CD was nominated in 2007 for a Grammy award as Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Individual or Group). ~ Scott Yanow