Jazz Room Records reissues rare 1983 soul jazz gem by organist “Big” John Patton
Legendary Hammond B3 organist “Big” John Patton was one of the most influential artists among the 60s soul jazz movement, releasing numerous classic recordings for Blue Note Records like Along Came John, Let ‘Em Roll, Understanding, and many others. Now, his lesser known but equally brilliant 1983 album, titled Soul Connection, receives a much-welcomed reissue from Paul Murphy’s Jazz Room Records.
Originally released on the Nilva Records, an independent label run by the great drummer Alvin Queen, who also plays on the album. At this point, the 60s-era soul jazz sound was no longer had the same kind of mass appeal it once had, and therefore this release initially didn’t receive the same kind of attention as his early recordings. As time has gone on, this album has aged extremely well and is arguably right up there with those classic Blue Note releases. The opening track “Soul Connection” is a soul jazz gem, primed to pack the dancefloor.
For this funky soulful session, Patton is backed by a superb group made up of jazz heavyweights, including Queens on drums, avant garde trombonist Grachan Moncur III, guitarist Melvin Sparks, saxophonist Grant Reed.
Overall, this an incredible recording that packs the same amount of punch as those essential soul jazz albums from the golden era of the 60s. With this well-crafted reissue from Jazz Room Records, hopefully this record will finally receive all the praise it truly deserves.
Officially released January 28, 2022!
John Patton — ‘Soul Connection’
(Originally released: 1983 / Nilva Records)
(Reissued: 2022 / Jazz Room Records)
- Soul Connection
- Pinto
- Extensions
- Space Station
- The Coaster
