Search - Don Patterson :: Dem New York Dues

Dues and Blues: Organ driven hard bop

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 01/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There seems to be a little confusion regarding the title of this album. The cover art reads "Dem New York Dues", and there is a composition of that same name. The only overt blues reference on this album is the Gillespie/Paparelli composition "Blue 'n' Boogie", which is actually a bop number. "Good Time Theme" is probably the most blues-based track on the disc, and it's delivered with a bop pulse. Still, there's always an element of blues in jazz, so call it what you please. This CD reissues two complete LPs ("Opus De Don" from 1968 & "Oh Happy Day" from 1969), which feature organist Patterson in prime form in a quintet with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, Junior Cook on tenor, and guitarist Pat Martino, and with a separate group that features trumpeter Virgil Jones and both George Coleman and Houston Person on tenors. Patterson's spirited renditions of bop compositions and a selection of standards make this a fairly representative example of his talents, and all of the participants get moments to shine throughout the proceedings. The gospel rouser "Oh Happy Day" seems a bit out-of-place here, though it was the original lead-off and title track of the second set included. It's simplistic melody is somewhat redeemed by exuberant soloing and propulsive drumming. There are enough tasty grooves and hot licks in this set to make this very worthwhile for fans of Don Patterson and this genre.

Don Patterson - Organ
George Coleman - Sax (Tenor) Junior Cook - Sax (Tenor)
Pat Martino - Guitar
Blue Mitchell - Trumpet
Houston Person - Sax (Tenor)
Billy James - Drums
Virgil Jones - Trumpet
Frankie Jones - Drums
Rudy Van Gelder - Engineer
Bob Porter - Producer
Don Schlitten - Producer"