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Ben Patterson

Ben Patterson is one of the most easily recognizable trombonists and big band arrangers today. His fiery approach to the trombone, whether from the lead chair or solo mic, has excited listeners around the world for more than two decades.

From his early years in his hometown of Sapulpa, OK, Ben was drawn to sounds of all kinds. He had a drive to compose tunes by the age of eight. When he started trombone in 6th grade, he found his voice. Sapulpa’s excellent directors pushed him to improve and exposed him to great music. Ben continued his education at the University of North Texas, where he continued to develop his playing chops. While at UNT, Ben started a lifelong friendship with Alan Baylock, who encouraged and helped hone his composing and arranging chops.

For over twenty-two years, Ben was a member of the The Airmen of Note, where he rose to the positions of lead trombonist and music director. While with the “Note,” Ben performed hundreds of concerts and clinics all over the U.S. and abroad, recorded 16 albums (featuring many of his compositions and arrangements) worked with countless guests artists, and even entertained U.S. presidents. As the band’s musical director, Ben produced ten Jazz Heritage Series recordings with guests including such artists as Branford Marsalis, Randy Brecker, and Christian McBride. Ben also produced three stand-alone recordings for the Note, including “Veterans of Jazz,” “Air Power,” and “Global Reach,” which expanded the band’s repertoire with music from around the world.

In 2016, Ben launched the Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra with its first recording, “Vital Frequencies featuring Chris Potter.” The band includes some of the Washington D.C. area’s top musicians and has performed at Blues Alley and for the Washington Performing Arts Society Gala. Ben also leads small groups of various formats. His latest quintet venture, “Push The Limits” will be available in 2021 on Origin Records.

In the Washington D.C. area, he has been a regular lead player and soloist with bands such as the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, the Afro Bop Alliance Big Band, and The Joe McCarthy/Vince Norman Big Band. He was also a long-time member of the popular Latin group, Sin Miedo led by Didier Prossaird.

Ben’s furious technique and rhythmic diversity come from a strong personal belief that we should never limit ourselves to the ordinary or let others define for us what is possible. He is inspired by musical risk-takers and relishes a fearless approach to music.

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7
Album Review

Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra: Groove Junkies

Read "Groove Junkies" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


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 ...

6
Album Review

Ben Patterson: The Way of the Groove

Read "The Way of the Groove" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


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 ...

6
Album Review

Ben Patterson: Push The Limits

Read "Push The Limits" reviewed by Jack Bowers


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.

119
Album Review

The Ben Patterson Sextet: The Prowl

Read "The Prowl" reviewed by Jack Bowers


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 ...

126
Album Review

Ben Patterson Sextet: The Prowl

Read "The Prowl" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


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 ...

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Johnny Tunnard
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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Groove Junkies

Origin Records
2024

buy

The Way of the Groove

Origin Records
2022

buy

Push The Limits

Origin Records
2021

buy

The Prowl

Bonecat
2004

buy

Exclamation

From: Groove Junkies
By Ben Patterson

Anniversary Patio

From: The Way of the Groove
By Ben Patterson

Push the Limits

From: Push The Limits
By Ben Patterson

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