He's a bassist who also plays piano, harmonica, percussion and, as a composer, has done arrangements for the Florida Orchestra. Like its title suggests, St. Pete's Patrick Bettison's new LP Walkin' Around is a stylistic hodgepodge — albeit mostly rooted in 1960s jazz, with shades of world fusion — that finds him playing nearly every instrument. Compositions range from lush cinematic soundscapes to jittery dance numbers that evoke Brazilian and Cuban influences. On the final track, Bettison goes into Bill Evans mode and makes a poignant statement with the ballad "Missed Friend." Despite the many different genres Bettison explores, he's usually able to maintain a distinct voice throughout. 3 stars
This article appears in May 16-22, 2007.