BIG JOHN PATTON Vinyl & CDs

Review: Originally released in 1965, Oh Baby! was the third studio album by jazz organist Big John Patton on Blue Note. Landing right in the hard bop era, the six pieces hold down a sharp focus as Patton freewheels up and down his scales backed up by a tight ensemble. With Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Harold Vick on tenor sax, Ben Dixon on drums and the legendary Grant Green on guitar, Oh Baby! Is bursting with catchy grooves and recognisable licks, not least the familiar chord chops that punctuate 'Fat Judy'. It's a classic slab of jazz on one of the genre's most important labels - need we say more?

Review: Blue Note's focus reissue series Tone Poet is bringing back to life and remastering some of its most classic jazz albums. Next up is Big John Patton who is one of the many Hammond B3 organ greats signed to the label back int he day. The Kansas City born dynamo is known for bring soul to his take on jazz and he had a funk run of work during the 60s after first appearing as a sideman on Lou Donaldson's The Natural Soul and Good Gracious LPs. His solo work first came in 1963 then two years later he released his most unique work, Let 'Em Roll, a session with Grant Green and drummer Otis Finch also joined by vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. Originals like 'Let Em Roll' and 'Latona'' really standout.