...an absolute joy from start to finish, brought to life by a phenomenal ensemble.
Fueled by the musically eclectic, disciplined and packed days of being the music director for the Airmen of Note, trombonist/composer Ben Patterson and his tight circle of DC-area colleagues have carried that energy on since. Over the last decade, guitarist Shawn Purcell, pianist Harry Appelman and drummer Todd Harrison have been central to seeing through Patterson's vision, always there to support, but also to spur him to places unexpected. On Stretch, bassist Miles Brown joins the team as they careen through a wide-ranging set of 10 originals, several reflecting influences on Patterson's music, such as Michael Brecker with "Missing Michael," the Tower of Power rhythm section with "David and Francis," while hints of John Scofield and Pat Metheny also permeate the musical landscape.
"...a pen and mind untrammeled by norms and expectations, and a tight crew of musical compatriots." Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz
Track Listing:
1 Unbridled 6:06
2 Oops, Wrong Timeline 4:50
3 Ship of Fools 5:00
4 David and Francis 7:38
5 This is What I'm Doing 6:36
6 Or Maybe You Would 5:38
7 Confidence and Doubt 6:09
8 Stretch 6:36
9 Missing Michael 8:04
10 Phrenetic 5:47
All compositions by Ben Patterson | Pro Jazz Charts (ASCAP)
Performers:
Ben Patterson - trombone
Shawn Purcell - guitar
Harry Appelman - keyboards
Miles Brown - bass
Todd Harrison - drums
Production Info:
Produced by Ben Patterson, Rich Sigler, & Bob Dawson
Recorded & mixed by Bob Dawson
BIAS Studios, Springfield, VA
Assistant engineer: Tom Tyra
December 17 & 18, 2025
Mastered by Mike Monseur at Axis Audio, Nashville, TN
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
