Vetera drummer Pat Petrillo takes you on a genre-bending journey through groove itself with his new album: “Contemporaneous.” Released in July 2025 via Innervision Records, this album is less a collection of songs than a musical project that slides seamlessly between jazz, funk, blues, and even touches of world music.
With an all-star lineup featuring Scott Ambush, Blake Aaron, Matt Rohde, Mike Cordone, Lemar Guillary, Scott Mayo and Phillip Wack, Petrillo has surrounded himself with players who can keep up with his restless imagination.
https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/6rMFLsglqVysxjzZ7YSZwi
The record wastes no time setting the tone. “Fused” bursts out of the gate with the kind of high-energy jazz-rock fire that cements Petrillo’s reputation as a drummer of both precision and power.
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While Petrillo’s groove is relentless throughout the album, what keeps Contemporaneous from tipping into monotony is its stylistic variety within that groove-centered frame. “On the Regular” is a cheekily misleading title with its unpredictability and irregular instrumentation. Similarly, “Late Night Diner” stands out, evoking smoky after-hours vibes with glowing horn arrangements.
The production on this track is as smart as its composition, maintaining enough polish to sound professional, but never going far enough to feel artificial. There’s a sense of spontaneity in the music that makes it all the more appealing to listeners
Petrillo isn’t shy about his intentions as Contemporaneous clearly emerges as a genre-defying musical montage. It’s a record that resists easy categorization, much like Petrillo himself; a drummer who can lock a stadium groove one minute and improvise with jazz subtlety the next.
By the time the closing notes fade, you have nothing but admiration for Petrillo’s musicianship. Contemporaneous is bold, unapologetic, and brimming with life. For listeners ready to embrace a heady mix of funk, jazz, and soul, this is one of the most engaging fusion records of the year.