Search - Walt Dickerson :: Impressions of a Patch of Blue

A Patch of Genius!

Sam | San Francisco | 03/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Get this album while you can because Verve only printed 6000 copies worldwide! That's not the main reason to buy it though; this has to be one of the most enigmatic jazz albums of the sixties. One of my favorite albums of all time is Miles' IN A SILENT WAY, and in some respects this album reminds of that one --although musically it's completely different. I suppose the connection arises because they seem to come from the same setting... mysterious, spare, groovy, dark, and smokey. Walt Dickerson's vibes are in the forefront through-out, but the really sweet part of this disc is Sun Ra's piano and harpsichord...embelishing the rhythm and providing a mellow or spooky counterpoint to Walt's distinctive vibe sound. Impressions of A Patch of Blue was a really nice suprise, and once again Verve scores with their "elite edition"."

Walt Dickerson: Struck From The Finest Mettle.

Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 06/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of all the music presented by master vibraphonist Walt

Dickerson, 1965's sadly rare IMPRESSIONS OF A PATCH OF

BLUE tends to be the album which many Dickerson

enthusiasts swear by the most. Small wonder. Its

chamber dynamics, multiharmonic precision, compelling

swing and iridescently free balladry mark this Jazz

variation of Jerry Goldsmith film themes as an

unforgettable tone poem to gentle fascinate the

cautious ear, and boldly stir the adventurous soul.



Here, Dickerson showcases his artistry in the midst

of kindred spirits who've been dismissed or taken

for granted for far too long. In particular, catch

the probing delicacy of the one-and-only Sun Ra on

piano and harpsichord. Chromatically jabbing with

focused glee, swirling the changes with nimble

poise, the Myth Realist strikes home with memorable

charm, class, and delight.

Bassist Bob Cunningham is steady on the tempo while

elusively dancing about the beat. Likewise for

drummer Roger Blank, boiling with rhythm, simmered

and stirred to a tempestuous tee. With the vibraphonist,

these men form a quartet for the ages.



For decades, Walt Dickerson has been recognized as

one of the most dynamic innovators in all of Music.

The measure of his instrumental orignality places

Dickerson on a par with the likes of Louis Armstrong,

Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane; all of whom have

singularly redefiened the voice of their respective

instruments, and have richly nurtured the overall

conception of Music as a whole.

Time and again, albums such as PEACE (Steeplechase),

TO MY QUEEN (OJC/Prestige/New Jazz), and LIFE RAYS

(Soul Note) have showcased the malleteer's seamless

ability to merge the straight-ahead, the avant-grade,

and the soulfully down-home into resurgent rhapsodies

of epic, highly motivational, incredibly unique Jazz.



Let there be no doubt that Walt Dickerson is a

hallmark of excellence which distinguishes the

legacy of African American musical achievement.

Classics such as IMPRESSIONS OF A PATCH OF BLUE

are more than momentary curios to titillate

merchantile hobbyists.

Exciting and inspiring, such work resounds with

deep passion, sharp pertinence, and resilient

life in the Here and Now; touching all who

listen, and dare to hear.



Despite the odds."