Take a look at the long musical lineage paved by the titans of bass, and invariably there's a point where each turns inward to express themselves with just their hands and their instrument, unaccompanied. ForJohn Patitucci that time is now. Soul of the Bass, Patitucci's 16th solo record, is his most intimate and revealing. Centered around melodic, concise improvisations on acoustic bass, the sound of wood, skin on string and open air serve to heighten the expressiveness of the melodies. Patitucci explains, "I think as you get older you prioritize the sound and the feel of everything you play, which if rendered with integrity, will result in a clarity that communicates to the listener and draws them in." Patitucci continues his trailblazing ways on his 6-string electric bass guitar, offering a stirring interpretation of the Allemande from Bach's "Cello Suite No. 5," and exploring new sonic terrain by applying his six as a color to some of his acoustic bass inventions. In the record's most dramatic departure, John throws down an R&B groove with drummer Nate Smith, layering additional bass guitars on top, in a historic nod to the instrument.