Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ben Patterson: The Way of the Groove

6

Ben Patterson: The Way of the Groove

By

View read count
Ben Patterson: The Way of the Groove
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 sophisticated and accessible.

Teaming up with guitarist Shawn Purcell, pianist/organist Harry Appelman, bassist Paul Henry and drummer Todd Harrison , and adding tenor saxophonist Luis Hernandez on four numbers, Patterson is primed and ready to go from the start. Opening on "Anniversary Patio," he nods to his twentieth wedding anniversary and an attendant home improvement with a propulsive, straight-time sizzler. "Here Now," appreciating the act of being present, approaches the order of the day from a different angle, dialing back the tempo, working with a weighted feel and inviting Purcell to step forward for a raunchy solo stand. Then there's "FLT," which completely fits its expanded "Funky Little Thing" designation; the heated "Stank Face," where Patterson dresses up with effects; "The Lucky One," a jaunty, Caribbean-inflected winner showcasing Henry and Appelman; and the amped-up title track, with room aplenty for horns and guitar to let loose.

Taking a moment apart from his band, Patterson introduces "What Happens Next?" with two minutes of unaccompanied solo work that sets the mood and emphasizes his gifts for emotional expression. Then the composition proper—the longest on the album, at more than eight minutes—deftly balances reflection, curiosity and urgency, with Patterson and Hernandez personifying ecstasy in exchange. Following that standout, things come to a close with the slippery pocket play of "This and That" and the shuffling "Hangin.'" Delivering two head-turning leader dates in two years, Patterson has been quick to elevate his already impressive profile since retiring from a distinguished music career in the military. Here's to hoping he has more music on the way.

Track Listing

Anniversary Patio; Here Now; FLT; Stank Face; The Lucky One; The Way of the Groove; What Happens Next? (Intro); What Happens Next?; This and That; Hangin’.

Personnel

Album information

Title: The Way of the Groove | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Origin Records

Tags

Comments


PREVIOUS / NEXT



Ben Patterson Concerts


Support All About Jazz

Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Tramonto
John Taylor
Ki
Natsuki Tamura / Satoko Fujii
Duality Pt: 02
Dom Franks' Strayhorn
The Sound of Raspberry
Tatsuya Yoshida / Martín Escalante

Popular

Old Home/New Home
The Brian Martin Big Band
My Ideal
Sam Dillon
Ecliptic
Shifa شفاء - Rachel Musson, Pat Thomas, Mark Sanders
Lado B Brazilian Project 2
Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruíz

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.

Install All About Jazz

iOS Instructions:

To install this app, follow these steps:

All About Jazz would like to send you notifications

Notifications include timely alerts to content of interest, such as articles, reviews, new features, and more. These can be configured in Settings.