Search - John Patton :: Memphis to New York Spirit

Off Center Soul Jazz as only Big John can do it ! ! !

Eddie Landsberg | Tokyo, Japan | 10/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Grab this one quick... first, if I'm not mistaken, it never was. A bunch of tracks put together from the vaults (much like my other fave of his and Grant Green's - - Blues for Lou). It seems to come and go out of print... though if I'm not mistaken, this is one of the first domestic reissues in years.The sound is both funky and off center. Don't expect in your face Reuben Wilson style fatback... and don't expect pure Larry Young... expect an evil Frankenstein-ian mix of both of 'em as only Big John could do it. Expect to hear a mix of always slightly off center and mysterious B.J. Patton grooves meets progressive Jazz (circa 1969). The groove is always there, cool, bluesy and relaxed like Big John likes it... and he never gets excited and forgets it, no matter how far on the edge he gets... One note, and he'll take you to China, another, and its down home in Birmingham Alabama - - From the Mandingo to Sissy Strut... its time to rade the vaults again... and this sure 'nuff is a real good'un ! ! ! Personell are : George Coleman - Sax (Tenor)
James Blood Ulmer - Guitar
LeRoy Williams - Drums
Marvin Cabell - Flute, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)"