Don Patterson - Mellow Soul (1967) [re-rip]

"Patterson is one of the few jazz organists with any kind of critical notices. A number of critics, notably Down Beat's Harvey Pekar, has noted that, unlike most organists, Patterson plays straight ahead with no nonsense and reliance on the trick bag. His ability to swing without utilizing the built-in histrionics of his instrument is an indication of his taste. Taste which has convinced Sonny Stitt, wowed the critics and become an identifying characteristic of his playing is what Patterson displays here. Patterson's constant musical companion in recent years has been drummer Billy James. James is one of the few drummers who knows what and how to play with an organist. Others with this talent are few and far between." Patterson is also joined by David "Fathead" Newman who on this date picks up both tenor and flute. 'In 1959, Ray Charles showcased Newman for the first time in an album of his own. Many people discovered then and there that the true roots of "Fathead" lay in the music of men like Rollins and Stitt. Since leaving the Charles band, Newman has freelanced extensively' and is especially accomplished on this album. Overall this LP is an exceptional opportunity to hear 'three men with roots who have moved comfortably in the mainstream of modern jazz.'
~ Excerpts taken from the Liner Notes by Bob Porter, July 1967.

Prestige Records, PRST 7510, 1967

Recorded 10th May, 1967 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Don Patterson - Organ

David "Fathead" Newman - Tenor Saxophone (#A1,B1-B3), Flute (#A2,A3)

Billy James - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Hump Snapa Blues {Don Patterson} (5:01)

A2. Music To Think By {Dick Boyell} (3:57)

A3. Darben The Redd Foxx {James Moody} (4:52)

B1. Mellow Soul {Don Patterson} (6:35)

B2. Head {David "Fathead" Newman} (6:08)

B3. These Foolish Things {Harry Link, Jack Strachey} (9:42)

Credits:

Producer - Cal Lampley

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Design, Photo - Don Schlitten
Liner Notes - Bob Porter (July 1967)