Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra - Mad Scientist Music

"One night, after a set by my “Way of the Groove” band at Washington, D.C.’s jazz club, Blues Alley, the owner, Harry Schnipper approached me excitedly and exclaimed, “I finally figured out what this music is: it’s mad scientist music and you’re Dr. Frankenstein!” The tune that had him most worked up was a small group version of The Misinformation Age which I adapted for big band for this recording. I like the idea of my office (where I write) being my mad scientist’s laboratory where I’m creating things that will eventually have a life of their own…things that some might find strange, unusual, or possibly even monstrous…though hopefully most find to be fun and exciting. Some of the ideas on this recording are among the most complicated I’ve ever put to paper, so I thought this title worked pretty well. Of course the real fun happens when I get to leave my evil lair and make music with my good friends, who just happen to be some of the best large-ensemble jazz musicians on the planet.

I have to say a word about the recording team. Recording wizard Bob Dawson has made more big band records than anyone else I know. He has recorded the Airmen of Note for nearly fifty years. I truly believe he is one of the great engineers of our age and his big band work is second to none in my opinion. As music director of the Note and on my own, I have worked closely with Bob and Note alum Rich Sigler (who has done all the Note’s editing for many years) to produce 19 records. My sonic goal for each has been to be able to look inside the ensemble and hear every piece clearly. I think we’ve gotten pretty close several times and I’m quite proud of our work together."

Woodwinds
Antonio Orta Alto & Soprano Saxes
Mike Cemprola Alto sax, Flute, Clarinet
Tedd Baker Tenor Sax
Xavier Perez Tenor Sax
Doug Morgan Bari Sax, Bass Clarinet
Bill Mulligan Flute (3) Clarinet (2)

Trumpets
Brian MacDonald (Lead)
Kevin Burns (Lead on 4 & 6)
Luke Brandon
Alec Alfred

Trombones
Ben Patterson (Lead)
Kevin Cerovich
Dave Perkel
Ben Polk Bass

Vocals
Emily Davies (2)

Rhythm
Shawn Purcell Guitar
Chris Ziemba Piano
Paul Henry Bass
Todd Harrison Drums, Percussion
Fran Vielma Congas, Tamboras de Fulía, Percussion (2)