Will Patton's Latest: 6th St Runaround

[Brad Weiss]

Just got this from Elderly, and man it is one of the best jazz albums, mandolin or no, that I've heard of late. I'm a big fan of Will's, and I really think he's outdone himself here. The tunes are infectious. The composition is really wonderful, and the arrangements pull everything together nicely. I especially like how eclectic it is, from manouche-sounding waltzes, to choro-style pieces, some high-powered bebop (including an A+ duet with Paul Glasse on a Charlie Christian tune), and some stuff that sounds inspired by Western Swing. Plus, I'm a big sucker for jazz standards, and Will's take on the Jimmy van Heusen classic, "I Thought About You" perfectly fits the bill.

It's a bravura disc that rewards multiple listening. Sweet.

[Larry S Sherman]

I saw Will last night at a CD release party in VT-great show, as always. His daughter Anna plays better every time I see them.

I bought the CD, but haven't spun it yet. The new songs were great live, so I'm sure the CD will be as good as his others.

Larry

[Larry S Sherman]

There's some recent live video on Ted's site. (http://jazzmando.com/new/archives/000900.shtml)

One of the Choro pieces (Parana) is from the new CD. You can also listen to Parana (http://www.mandolincafe.net/mp3/patton3.mp3) on the
Cafe MP3 page. (http://www.mandolincafe.com/mp3/)
I first saw Will at Rigelfest a few years ago, and he never fails to amaze me!

Larry

PS: I'm listening to the CD now and it's great!

[pigpen]

I was just listening to this last night. Any CD that keeps my attention multiple nights a month since its release is really a winner in my world. It's great playing, great music, and great ensemble playing, with good connections between all the musicians. Can you tell I like it?

I thought this thread needed a bump!

[alb]

yes, I really like his version of Nao me Toques..Nice orchestration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zS95kQIfJo&feature=related

[luckylarue]

I agree Al, great version of Nao Me Toques. Love the extended jam intro - so much so that I've incorporated it into my guitar player's arrangement. Lots of fun to jam out for awhile on the Am - E7 before heading into the actual tune. I have yet to get Will's latest but String Theory was in heavy rotation for a long time. Thanks Will!

[Rob Gerety]

Funny, I live in Vermont but know nothing of Will Patton. Anna I know of - she is a regular performer in various contra dance bands and an excellent musician.

[Will Patton]

<sigh>
That's the way it seems to be going.
Oh, are you related to ANNA PATTON?
but, truth to tell, I like it!

[Jonathan Reinhardt]

that's funny, Will.
Heard your VPR show a few months ago. Wonderful.
One of these day's I'm going to come knocking on your door for some lessons, if you'll have me!
Jonathan

[Rob Gerety]

<sigh>
That's the way it seems to be going.
Oh, are you related to ANNA PATTON?
but, truth to tell, I like it!

Well, I'm glad you took no offense. My wife and I are avid contra dancers and I do a little amateur contra dance band playing - very little - so I know of Anna, we see her a lot and she definitely spices up the bands she plays in very nicely. We get very weary of the straight traditional approach to contra dance music.

I am mostly a guitar player - new to mando - but I am really enjoying mandolin and I'm starting to tune in to the various players around. Your you tube videos are excellent. Great band. I will make a point to get to see you sometime soon. We are in White River.

I may be knocking on your door for some lessons as well! Although to be honest I wish I could find someone up here in the Upper Valley.

[Will Patton]

Please, all of you, knock on the door - lessons cheerfully given. Rob, you can bring the sea plane, I have a pond.
Anna has gotten me into Contradance music in a big way - it's very creative these days, with the likes of Wild Asparagus, Big Bandemonium, Elixer and all of Anna's bands. I've been playing some with Pete Sutherland and the Clayfoot Strutters, we're doing a quick tour in Phila. & D.C. this November. Nothing beats Irish fiddle tunes with an Afro-pop or ska beat behind it!

[Larry S Sherman]

Hey Will, have you done any recording with Estrela do Norte?

I would love to hear more Choro from you. Maybe Estrela do Norte could play in Brat sometime?

Larry

[Will Patton]

Hey Larry,
Estrela, sadly, is no longer. Dominique, our flautist, has moved to NYC where she's tearing it up. And Bonnie on pandeiro, has tendonitis and has retired for the time being. But we're doing more choros in the Ensemble - including a killer arrangement of Segura Ele. How's your pandeiro playing coming?

[Larry S Sherman]

My pandeiro playing is stagnating in favor of my mando playing and running.

Hard to do everything!

Larry

[Rob Gerety]

Will, I have been working - along with other local amateurs - with Jeremiah McLane for a couple of years now trying to learn to play some contra dance stuff. He is such a creative guy. What a privilege to just sit and listen to him talk about arrangements etc. I knew I was in for a treat when he started teaching us how to put these traditional tunes to motown and reggae rhythms. Pete came down for a workshop with our group which was also terrific. Great guy. You are right, there are so many creative people involved in the contra dance music scene now. In addition to the bands you mention, don't forget Rumble Strip, Nightingale, Crowfoot, Tidal Wave, Clewbay, etc. etc. It is the golden age of contra dance. We love it. Will you be playing with the Strutters in Norwich at the end of August? If so, I will make a point to say hello. I'll be the overweight middle aged irish guy in the shorts out on the dance floor.

[Will Patton]

Rob - PM sent
-Will