The chancier choice is the up-and-coming alto saxophonist/composer Patrick Brennan, who performs at the Painted Bride tonight. Brennan plays in a freewheeling style that combines the energy of the “free jazz” of the 60’s with the eclecticism of the 80s. His music resembles that of the Art Ensemble of Chicago’s Roscoe Mitchell in its edgy creativity. Brennan spins his open-ended lines into a rough-hewn, multi-textured musical fabric in a spontaneous fashion that is fascinating to witness. His ensemble of ingenious improvisers includes Steve Swell (trombone), David Sidman (guitar), Newman Baker(drums) and Rachiim Ausar-Sahu (bass).

Philadelphia City Paper - June 3, 1988
Reprinted with permission