Jazz Studies graduate student John Petrucelli just released his debut album, The Way with the John Petrucelli Quintet. His combo features guitarist Peter Park, pianist Victor Gould, bassist Alexander Claffy, drummer Gusten Rudolph, and guest appearances by drummer Victor Lewis. The tenor saxophonist leads this lineup confidently through his original compositions and classics alike.

Jazz Times contributor Bill Milkowski, who compiled the album notes, observes that

“The temptation, upon hearing John Petrucelli’s uncanny flow and remarkable command of his tenor sax in all registers on tunes like the suite-like opener “Arrows of Longing,” the cascading “Boots” or his superb take on the sumptuous 1948 ballad “Early Autumn,” is to say: ‘Where has this cat been?’”

Early reviews have been enthusiastic as well with Midwest Record raving,

“Talk about a portrait of a young sax man as a roaring young lion circa 2015. A classic blowing date in the classic Verve/Bluenote mold and mode, this is some supreme, sublime honking that blows you away.”

John Petrucelli’s The Way is available now on Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes. Get your copy today and hear what one of our talented grad students has been up to.