When it comes to big-band recordings, commitment and enthusiasm can go a long way toward assuring success. Those benchmarks are fully displayed on Groove Junkies, the third album by trombonist Ben Patterson's Washington, DC-based Jazz Orchestra. While Patterson's compositions and arrangements are not exactly straight ahead--there's an ample measure of funk, back beats and electronic effects ...

Song of the Day

Exclamation

May 13, 2024

Album: Groove Junkies
By Ben Patterson
Label: Origin Records
Released: 2024
Duration: 06:57

Article: Album Review

Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra: Groove Junkies

Read "Groove Junkies" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

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 ...

Album

Vital Frequencies featuring Chris Potter

By Ben Patterson

Label: Bonecat
Released: 2016
Track listing: 1. Treachery 2. Inexorable 3. Home 4. To the TOP 5. Anxiously Awaiting 6. I Love You 7. My One and only Love 8. The Happy Dance 9. Que Tenga Sabor 10. Vital Frequencies

Article: Album Review

Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra: Prime Time

Read "Prime Time" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
October 26, 2015

Composer / arranger Alan Baylock seems to have a penchant for time. Prime Time is the Baylock Jazz Orchestra's third album, following Two Seconds to Midnight (2003) and Eastern Standard Time (2008). This time (no pun intended), Baylock, who doubles as chief arranger for the U.S. Air Force's premier jazz ensemble, the Airmen of Note, has ...