Roberto Urged me to hear Patrick’s music. It was a unique direction. I was immediately fascinated by the depth of Patrick’s trip, musically. Not every sax player records in Morocco with various Gnawa musicians. After meeting Najib Sudani in Essaouira, and playing some, the stage was set even further.

The other asset to this project is the presence of Nirankar Khalsa. Nirankar is a great drummer and vocalist born in Chicago whose father, William Henderson, was with Ahmad Jamal for years.

I enjoy this CD Patrick has brought forth for many reasons. Compositionally, it is very unique. Listen to the opening track, Marhaba ya Marhaba. It swings! It’s a traditional Gnawa song with a vivid melody. Or, check in on track 3 called Timarmalia Blues. It’s a clever improvisational mix of blues and a Gnawa song. Also track 6 is another cool examplle of a duet with Najib. Listen to the flexibility in Patrick’s sound and his choice of notes. Great saxophone concept also!

A short note on Najib. He is a carrier of a 400-year-old tradition of father to son of the Sudani’s culture and musics. His dad, Hajub “Gubani” Sudani was repected worldwide. Musicians from around the world including Hendrix and Carlos Santana often came to Essaouira to play with him. His is a music of culture, funk, and vitality.

One of the most important aspects of Patrick’s music is that his trail along the fringe of these musics is that it denies the genre definitions that usually hold other projects like this back. The music sings with joy and freedom! This CD is about the unique aspect of all these musics coming to a boil as one. The master chef on this event is saxophonist Patrick Brennan.

This is an outstanding work lucidly played; well organized; and intelligent. It certainly is an outstanding release. A must for your ears! Check it out now.

Tim Price, Saxophone Journal, March-April 2001, page 66