Albums
Book of Secrets (2023 Posi-Tone Records)
With its lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and dazzling solos, Patrick’s 10th album takes the listener on a thrilling journey through a musical landscape that is at once familiar and yet uncharted. Cornelius's soaring melodies and intricate improvisations are perfectly complemented by his fellow musicians all working together to create a seamless and mesmerizing listening experience.
Patrick Cornelius (alto, soprano saxophones, alto flute, clarinet), Art Hirahara (piano), Behn Gillece (vibes), Peter Slavov (bass), Vinnie Sperazza (drums). With special guests Diego Rivera (tenor saxophone), Altin Sencalar (trombone).
Produced by Marc Free and engineered by Nick O’Toole.
Way of the Cairns (2020 Whirlwind Recordings)
Patrick Cornelius' 2020 release reconnects him with his old bandmates from The TransAtlantic Collective for a stirring performance of original music inspired by Acadia National Park in Maine. ‘Way of the Cairns’ marks a conceptual departure for Patrick as composer and bandleader, and features the cohesion and virtuosity of the entire ensemble.
Featuring Acadia: Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), Kristjan Randalu (piano), Michael Janisch (bass), Paul Wiltgen (drums)
This Should be Fun (2019 Posi-Tone)
Patrick Cornelius's new album for Posi-Tone Records celebrates the wonder and levity to be found in life and music, once one looks beyond the banal and mundane. Supported by a talented cast of sidepersons, this album presents 10 crystalline original compositions in Cornelius's unmistakeable style: lyrical, swinging, and surprising.
Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), John Escreet (piano), Ben Allison (bass), Mark Ferber (drums), Nick Vayenas (trombone)
While We’re Still Young (2016 Whirlwind Recordings)
While We're Still Young features original music for jazz octet inspired by the timeless poetry of A.A. Milne. Originally commissioned by Chamber Music America and featured on NPR's "JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater," While We're Still Young features an all-star ensemble:
Patrick Cornelius (Alto Saxophone), Gerald Clayton (piano), Kendrick Scott (drums), John Ellis (Tenor Saxophone), Miles Okazaki (Guitar), Peter Slavov (Bass), Jason Palmer (Trumpet), and Nick Vayenas (Trombone).
Infinite Blue (2013 Whirlwind Recordings)
Infinite Blue is the second album for Whirlwind Recordings by the award-winning New York-based Saxophonist and Composer Patrick Cornelius, and represents the refinement of melodic concepts that he has been exploring for years (and over the course of 3 previous solo albums). Every song written for this new release tells a discrete story, either from the composer’s personal experience or some corner of his imagination.
Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), Frank Kimbrough (piano), Michael Janisch (bass), Jeff Ballard (drums), Michael Rodriguez (trumpet), Nick Vayenas (trombone)
Maybe Steps (2011 Posi-Tone)
With the talent to convey thought-provoking stories through his music, Patrick Cornelius pens a fresh chapter of personal and emotive composition in Maybe Steps, his third release as a leader. The recording follows the alto saxophonist's well-received debut, Lucid Dream (Self Produced, 2006) and the more groove-oriented Fierce (Whirlwind Recordings Ltd., 2010), both filled with robust writing, tight musicianship, and distinction. The mode here is modern mainstream, but what gives the recording its verve is Cornelius' intricate use of straightforward melodies, evocative themes, and gripping contributions from his band mates. His attributes are coupled with a piercing tone, sharp technique, and a leader's acumen—that ability to assemble and extract the best from new heavies such as pianist Gerald Clayton and drummer Kendrick Scott.
Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), Gerald Clayton (piano), Peter Slavov (bass), Kendrick Scott (drums), Miles Okazaki (guitar)
Fierce (2010 Whirlwind Recordings)
Over the past several years, alto saxophonist Patrick Cornelius has emerged as one of the strongest new voices on the New York Jazz scene. His debut WWR release, Fierce, will no doubt go down as an important addition to the saxophone trio format and features a bumper crop of exciting young talents.
Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), Johnathan Blake (drums), Michael Janisch (bass), Nick Vayenas (trombone), and Mark Small (tenor saxophone).
Traveling Song (2008 Woodville Records)
The TransAtlantic Collective was a contemporary jazz ensemble that operated on the international scene from the years 2005-2009, undertaking substantial tours in the USA, UK, and Mainland & Eastern Europe. Its members and collaborators represented some of the top emerging artists from New York City, London, and Europe. The Collective was started in 2005 by Patrick Cornelius and London-based American Michael Janisch. Both alumni of Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music, Patrick and Michael founded the Collective as a way to bring musicians from Europe and New York together.
Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), Kristjan Randalu (piano), Michael Janisch (bass), Paul Wiltgen (drums), Quentin Collins (trumpet).
Lucid Dream (2006 Peppa Cone Music)
Contemporary mainstream jazz involves many factors, including composition, instrumentation, and environment; but the musician's ability to combine all these variables into their own concept is what makes the biggest impact on the listener. New York saxophonist Patrick Cornelius brings together all of these elements on his acoustic debut, Lucid Dream, yielding progressive, melodic and aesthetically pleasing music.
Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), Aaron Parks (piano), Sean Conly (bass), Kendrick Scott (drums), Nick Vayenas (trombone), Gretchen Parlato (voice)
Nick Vayenas / Patrick Cornelius Quintet (2000)
Patrick and Nick's first album, recorded in Boston in 2000. Featuring Patrick Cornelius (alto saxophone), Nick Vayenas (trombone), Dan Kaufman (piano), Peter Slavov (bass), Kendrick Scott (drums), and Charles Haynes (drums).