Jazz Articles about Ben Patterson

Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra: Groove Junkies

by Dan Bilawsky
April 30, 2024

Groove junkies searching for a fix need look no further. Mainlining this music--a hard-hitting big band set that satisfies as it soars--offers a serious high. With a pen and mind untrammeled by norms and expectations, and a tight crew of musical compatriots bringing stentorian sound and vision to his book, trombonist-composer Ben Patterson delivers the goods and then some. Patterson's positively electric take on saxophonist Chris Potter's well-titled “Exclamation" offers fireworks at the front end of the ...

Ben Patterson: The Way of the Groove

by Dan Bilawsky
October 4, 2022

Ben Patterson is well versed in the way of the groove. The veteran trombonist, best known for his lengthy stint with the Airmen of Note, uses this date to deliver some hip yet sophisticated work that leans on funky foundations, driving ambitions and glorious grit. Showcasing his impressive slide work alongside a positively electric outfit, Patterson digs deep in offering some slick and seriously smart art. The sum of those elements and efforts equals one brilliant party record that's both ...

Ben Patterson: Push The Limits

by Jack Bowers
April 14, 2021

It took no more than a quick Google search to find that every member of trombonist Ben Patterson's quintet is (or was) also a member of the U.S. Air Force's flagship jazz ensemble, the Airmen of Note. On Push the Limits, Patterson challenges his fellow airmen to cruise through ten of his elaborate compositions and arrangements, a mission they carry out with what seems to be relative ease. In other words, the technical excellence of the group is undeniable.

The Ben Patterson Sextet: The Prowl

by Jack Bowers
March 29, 2005

This is a well-designed, swinging session of straight-ahead jazz by six world-class musicians led by trombonist Ben Patterson, a member of the U.S. Air Force's renowned ensemble, the Airmen of Note, as are trumpeter Tim Leahey and guitarist Shawn Purcell. Drummer Steve Fidyk is the timekeeper for the U.S. Army Blues, while saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk leads the Unified Jazz Ensemble whose bassist, John Pineda, rounds out the sextet.

If The Prowl proves anything, it is that there is an abundance ...

Ben Patterson Sextet: The Prowl

by Michael P. Gladstone
October 31, 2004

Ben Patterson is a jazz trombonist with the Airmen of Note and also the lead trombonist for the Alan Blaylock Jazz Orchestra, from which come the members of his sextet. In addition, two of the musicians, trumpeter Tim Leahey and guitarist Shawn Purcell, are also members of the Airmen of Note, while drummer Steve Fidyk also performs with another military-related organization, the Army Blues.

The compositions for this debut album consist of two standards and seven original pieces ...