John Patton

John Patton (July 12, 1935 – March 19, 2002)

Patton was one of the most in-demand organists during the golden era of the Hammond B-3 organs between 1963 and 1970. He recorded extensively for Blue Note and performed or collaborated with Lloyd Price, Grant Green, and Lou Donaldson. Patton had a lower profile in the 1970s but enjoyed a comeback in the 1980s and 1990s, often in collaboration with saxophonist John Zorn. His later music incorporated modal and free jazz. He developed the nickname "Big John", not because of his size, but because of the country song "Big Bad John". "Remember the tune, 'Big Bad John'? ... yeah, well, that's what they started calling me and at first I didn't understand it but I love it now. It's just a name; if it's going to help you, then boogie on up in there!" "I learned everything with Lloyd," Patton said. "I was his 'straw boss' and the leader and he dumped all this on me and that was an experience that I got a chance to deal with." Blue Note artist Ike Quebec became his mentor, introducing him into Blue Note and to one of the most important relationships in his career, with guitarist Grant Green.

Discography As leader Along Came John (Blue Note, 1963) Blue John (Blue Note, 1963) The Way I Feel (Blue Note, 1964) Oh Baby! (Blue Note, 1965) Let 'Em Roll (Blue Note, 1965) Got a Good Thing Goin' (Blue Note, 1966) That Certain Feeling (Blue Note, 1968) Understanding (Blue Note, 1968) Accent on the Blues (Blue Note, 1969) Soul Connection (Nilva, 1983; Just A Memory/Justin Time, 2008) Blue Planet Man (Paddle Wheel, 1993; Evidence, 1997) Minor Swing (DIW, 1994) Boogaloo (Blue Note, 1995) – rec. 1968 Memphis to New York Spirit (Blue Note, 1996) – rec. 1969-70 This One's for Ja (DIW, 1998) – rec. 1996 Eagle Eye Blues (Excellence, 2006) – live rec. 2001

As sideman

With Lou Donaldson The Natural Soul (Blue Note, 1962) Good Gracious! (Blue Note, 1963) Signifyin' (Argo, 1963) Possum Head (Argo, 1964) Ha' Mercy (Cadet, 1971) A Man with a Horn (Blue Note, 1999)

With Grant Green Am I Blue (Blue Note, 1964) Iron City (Cobblestone, rec., 1967, rel. 1972) Blues for Lou (Blue Note, rec. 1963, rel. 1999)

With Jimmy Ponder Mean Streets – No Bridges (Muse, 1987) Jump (Muse, 1989)

With John Zorn The Big Gundown (Elektra Nonesuch, 1986) Spillane (Elektra Nonesuch, 1987)

With others George Braith, Laughing Soul (Prestige, 1966) Ed Cherry, Second Look (Groovin' High, 1994) Johnny Griffin & Matthew Gee, Soul Groove (Atlantic, 1963) Red Holloway, The Burner (Prestige, 1964) Clifford Jordan, Soul Fountain (Vortex, 1970) Johnny Lytle, Everything Must Change (Muse, 1978) Grassella Oliphant, The Grass Is Greener (Atlantic, 1967) Lloyd Price, The Exciting Lloyd Price (ABC-Paramount, 1959) Harold Vick, Steppin' Out! (Blue Note, 1963) Don Wilkerson, Shoutin' (Blue Note, 1963)