Don Patterson with Sonny Stitt - Donny Brook (1969) [re-rip]

Organist Don Patterson and saxophonist Sonny Stitt recorded together frequently between 1961 and 1969. On this LP from their last session, they are joined by guitarist Grant Green -- the only date Green ever recorded with them. Regular Patterson collaborator, drummer Billy James, completes the group. It's good organ jazz, although not the best performances in this style from the three lead players. Green's title track is the highlight. It's a two-chord vamp that sounds as if at any moment it's going to break into the melody from Classics IV's hit, "Spooky." What's impressive is how the players drive off from this very basic tune to produce sophisticated, imaginative solos. The group's readings of Tad Dameron's "Good Bait" and Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas" are not definitive, but they yield satisfying choruses from Stitt, Patterson, and Green. Patterson can usually be counted on for a stylish, soulful, slow blues. For this set, it's "Mud Turtle" -- close to ten minutes of steaming solo work all around. The Patterson ballad feature "Starry Night" starts off in roller-rink territory, but soon develops into a highly dramatic and progressive piece. ~ by Jim Todd, AMG.

Prestige Records, PR 7816, 1970

Recorded 15^th September, 1969 at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Don Patterson - Organ

Sonny Stitt - Tenor Saxophone [Varitone]

Grant Green - Guitar

Billy James - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Donny Brook {Grant Green} (8:25)

A2. Mud Turtle {Don Patterson} (9:58)

B1. St. Thomas {Sonny Rollins} (5:32)

B2. Good Bait {Tadd Dameron, Count Basie} (8:32)

B3. Starry Night {John H. Densmore} (5:53)

Credits:

Producer - Bob Porter

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Photo - Al Johnson
Design - Don Schlitten
Liner Notes - Nat White (September, 1970)

Extracts From Liner Notes:

A donnybrook is a fight. This donnybrook is a bit different, however, because the participants are merely supporting each other and results are much mellower than the knock-down drag-out one might expect. For many years, I have listened to and enjoyed the straight-ahead swing of Don Patterson-a gifted young man. Hearing Don is always a joy but hearing him in the company of burner extraordinaire Sonny Stitt is an added bonus. Don, Sonny, and Billy James worked up and down the country for several years and they know what to expect from each other. The addition of Grant Green can only add some spice to an already together congregation.

This album is an example of the affirmation of jazz in these times of social unrest-at home and abroad. Noting that indifference and conflict have invaded many of the arts, it is a pleasure to know that jazz, the only true American art form, has not fallen to the depths of mediocrity. It has broadened its horizons, expanded its viewpoint, and survived with its best feature intact. Men like Don Patterson will be in the vanguard of change for the music and it is a good thing because a man like Patterson has deep roots in modern jazz. Good hard-cooking music will not fade from the scene if he has anything to say about it. ~ by Nat White.