Label: Origin Records, 2024
Personnel - Antonio Orta: alto and soprano sax; Mike Cemprola: alto sax, flute, clarinet; Tedd Baker: tenor sax, flute, clarinet; Xavier Perez: tenor sax, flute, clarinet; Doug Morgan: bari sax, flute, bass clarinet; Bill Mulligan: piccolo (#1), flute (#3); Brian MacDonald: trumpet; Kevin Burns: trumpet; Luke Brandon: trumpet; Alec Aldred: trumpet; Ben Patterson: trombone; Kevin Cerovich: trombone; Dave Perkel: trombone; Ben Polk: bass trombone; Shawn Purcell: guitar; Chris Ziemba: piano, Fender Rhodes, keyboards; Paul Henry: electric bass; Todd Harrison: drums, percussion; Fran Vielma: congas, percussion (#3,4,6).
Washington DC-based trombonist, composer, and arranger Ben Patterson is an adept of furious fluid dynamics, infusing his music with a relentless exuberance that permeates all six tracks of his new album, aptly titled Groove Junkies. Boasting a 22-year stint as the lead trombonist for the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the US Air Force, Patterson commands his vigorous 17-piece orchestra with rapture, counting on occasional additions of flute and percussion.
The album gets you off to an energetic start with a punchy arrangement of Chris Potter’s “Exclamation”, a dynamic fusion of jazz, funk, and rock elements played with breakneck propulsion. The track features audacious swagger in the magnetic solos from tenor saxophonist Tedd Baker and keyboardist Chris Ziemba.
“Interesting Times” develops in seven, anchored by regular groovy bass steps and wah-wah-infused keyboard comping that emerges from the ground. On this occasion, the soloists are alto saxophonist Antonio Orta and the bandleader, both of whom are exciting in their articulation and expression. “Cheese Hat” features a fierce funky groove interspersed with calmer passages, highlighting the work of electric bassist Paul Henry, who stretches out over staccato guitar chords and groovy twangs.
“The Way of the Groove” boasts a booming rhythm that mixes funk and Latin vibes, with extra percussion provided by Fran Vielma. Flutist Bill Mulligan drives a passage in the middle of the solos, which culminate eloquently with guitarist Shawn Purcell’s super busy rides. The closer, “Espiritu Valiente”, emphasizes the Latin spirit with frisky liveliness.
Patterson leads the orchestra with zest, exploring intense and gripping jazz territories without ever becoming cluttered. If you’re looking for maximum energy in big band jazz, Groove Junkies is a record to grab.
Favorite Tracks:
01 - Exclamation ► 02 - Interesting Times ► 03 - The Way of the Groove