The Way of the Groove Ben Patterson

• 1 Anniversary Patio 07:38
• 2 Here Now 06:50
• 3 FLT 07:49
• 4 Stank Face 06:03
• 5 The Lucky One 06:47
• 6 The Way of the Groove 07:09
• 7 What Happens Next? (Intro) 02:02
• 8 What Happens Next? 08:15
• 9 This and That 07:16
• 10 Hangin' 06:48
• Total Runtime 01:06:37

Info for The Way of the Groove

Combining a quest for memorable melodies with his love of music that grooves and makes people move, trombonist Ben Patterson channels the likes of The Crusaders, The Brecker Brothers, and Herbie Hancock in creating this set of new original music. With strong helpings of funk, reggae, blues-shuffle, and the DC area's indigenous go-go beat, Patterson's band favorably recalls the R&B-based jazz recordings that filled the US pop, R&B, and jazz airplay charts in the '70s. Patterson features his working band of guitarist Shawn Purcell, pianist/B-3 organist/keyboardist Harry Appelman, Paul Henry on bass and drummer Todd Harrison, along with a guest appearance by saxophonist Luis Hernandez.

"An album full of action scenes and grooves without hip gimmicks..." (Jazz'halo, Belgium)

"Big-toned trombonist Ben Patterson digs in deep with his team of Shawn Purcell/g, Harry Appelman/B3-p-synth, Paul Henry/b, Todd Harrison/dr, Luis Hernandez/ts and even joins in the vocals with Evan Reiger and Purcell. His horn fills the room on his solo intro to "What Happens Next" before Henry's electric bass takes the team into the world of soulf ..." (Jazz Weekly, George W Harris)

Ben Patterson, trombone
Shawn Purcell, guitar
Luis Hernandez, tenor saxophone (tracks 1, 4, 6, 8)
Harry Appelman, Hammond B3 organ, piano, synthesizers
Paul Henry, acoustic & electric bass
Todd Harrison, drums, percussion
Evan Reiger, vocals (track 8)
Shawn Purcell, vocals (track 8)
Ben Patterson, vocals (track 8)

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.

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.

This album contains no booklet.