Mad Scientist Music

5-STARS Just last year, this magazine featured the Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra with their album "Groove Junkies". Now, with the album "Mad Scientist Music," the trombonist follows up with an equally first-class work featuring six magnificent new compositions and arrangements that will once again delight big band fans.

The album opens with the up-tempo number "We're Back Baby!" featuring the 17-piece jazz orchestra in top form and brilliant solos by Shawn Purcell and Luke Brandon. This is followed by the Afro-Cuban number "The Misinformation Age," featuring Chris Ziemba, Mike Cemprola, and Todd Harrison with brilliant solos, and featuring guests Emily Davies (vocals) and Fran Vielma (percussion). The excellent trombone section is especially admirable.

This is followed by the wonderful ballad "Always," featuring a magnificent baritone saxophone solo by Doug Morgan, and a classic big band blues, "The Mixup," in varying tempos with rousing solos by Kevin Cerovich, Alec Aldred & Luke Brandon, and Tedd Baker & Xavier Perez. "Anne Marie" is a wonderfully beautiful ballad dedicated to his wife by Ben Patterson, who appears as soloist here. Last but not least is the strongly grooving "Just 'Cuz," which features solos by trumpet, alto saxophone, and trombone, as well as a fantastic drum solo, bringing to a close a truly inspiring big band album that invites repeated listening.