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Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra: Groove Junkies
ByPatterson's positively electric take on saxophonist Chris Potter's well-titled "Exclamation" offers fireworks at the front end of the program. Mixing odd meters, pushing muscular funk and fusion lines, and paving the way for tenor saxophonist Tedd Baker and pianist Chris Ziemba (on a NORD keyboard) to each burn in their own brilliant way, he creates a platform for potent discourse. It stands out as the album's only non-original yet perfectly blends into the mix with regard to style and sensibilities, making for the ideal introduction to a program that packs a marvelously mean punch.
The leader's survey of his own music starts off with expanded takes on a pair of tunes from his previous album, The Way of The Groove (Origin Records, 2022). "Stank Face"Patterson's nod to early '90s Brecker Brothers hitstaps into the power of the pocket and a go-go flow, offering a rollicking, rhythmically-charged foundation for trumpeter Luke Brandon, guitarist Shawn Purcell and tenorist Xavier Perez's respective blow-and-tell maneuvers; and the title track from that small group stand remains a caffeinated celebration in this new treatment, with trumpeter Alec Aldred stepping up loud and proud before passing the baton to Patterson, who in turn runs it on down to Purcell for a blazing bell lap of a solo that leads to an outsized ensemble ending.
The album's second half opens with the sizzling and slick "Interesting Times." A number conceived during the early days of COVID quarantine, it's a slow-burner in sevena pure dirty-and-flirty designspotlighting alto saxophonist Antonio Orta and the leader. "Cheese Hat"a feature for Wisconsin-raised bassist Paul Henry, the composer's longtime band mate in the Airmen of Noteoffers some Tower of Power-esque stick-and-move horn hits while leaving plenty of space for the honoree and Baker to let loose. And "Espíritu Valiente," a finale that diverges from the funk-fusion dynamic, offers dauntless salsa sounds and some fine soloing from trombonist Kevin Cerovich and Orta. The first of two planned big band bashes expertly recorded and mixed by Bob Dawson and produced and edited by Rich Sigler, Groove Junkies hits hard in all the right ways. Here's to hoping that the follow-up arrives sooner than later.
Track Listing
Exclamation; Interesting Times; The Way of the Groove; Stank Face; Cheese Hat; Espíritu Valiente.
Personnel
Ben Patterson
tromboneAntonio Orta
saxophone, altoMike Cemprola
saxophone, altoTedd Baker
saxophone, tenorXavier Perez
saxophone, tenorDoug Morgan
saxophone, baritoneBrian MacDonald
trumpetKevin Burns
trumpetLuke Brandon
trumpetAlec Aldred
trumpetKevin Cerovich
tromboneDave Perkel
tromboneBen Polk
trombone, bassShawn Purcell
guitarChris Ziemba
keyboardsPaul Henry
bassTodd Harrison
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Bill Mulligan: piccolo, flute; Fran Vielma: congas, percussion.
Album information
Title: Groove Junkies | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Origin Records
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Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra
Album Review
Dan Bilawsky
Groove Junkies
Origin Records
Ben Patterson
Chris Potter
Tedd Baker
Chris Ziemba
Luke Brandon
Shawn Purcell
Xavier Perez
Alec Aldred,
Antonio Orta
Paul Henry
Kevin Cerovich
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