REVIEWS
Paul Abella, Chicago Jazz Magazine
Pianist Ben Paterson might be relatively new to Chicago's jazz scene (he arrived in 2004), but he hasn't wasted any time getting noticed by many of the people in the know around the town. He’s played with Chicago’s cream of the crop, from blues man Dave Specter, to singer Elaine Dame, to avant-garde cats like Ernest Dawkins. This kid has made his way around the town, so it's about time that he put out a CD. At first glance, Paterson's debut CD, Breathing Space, had all of the telltale signs of being a Bill Evans' tribute. The Scot LaFaro tune, "Gloria’s Step," and two more tunes from the Evans/LaFaro/Motian era, "Nardis" and "Alice in Wonderland," had me wondering what I was in for when I popped this one into the CD player. What a surprise! They may play tunes lifted from Bill Evans' songbook, but they don't play them like the Bill Evans Trio did. They give these tunes a little, well, breathing space, so to speak; they give these songs new twists to make them all their own, which bodes well for a young pianist making his first CD, and is pleasant on the ears of the listener. The way Paterson approaches "Whisper Not" is quite interesting. He makes the melody knotty by adding a tag that gives it a whole new attitude. "Nardis" is interesting, mostly because although Paterson’s playing definitely echoes Bill Evans’ take on "Explorations" (especially on the "A" section), the playing of Vinsel and Deitmeyer do not conjure thoughts of LaFaro and Motian at all. Interestingly, the bridge is swung—hard—giving it a Sonny Clark feel. Once they’ve made their way into the solo, it builds in some rather interesting ways in some unexpected places. It's definitely a highlight of the disc. One of the most outstanding tunes on the CD, though, is Paterson’s original "I Thought You Should Know." A tasty and grooving tune, it's in the pocket and has a familiar, though not derivative, melody. On first listen, you can hear why so many people on the Chicago jazz scene are singing Paterson’s praises. His playing is always where it needs to be: one minute sensitive and relaxed, at another moment, explosive and muscular, and always musical. It’s after a couple of listens, though, that this disc starts to really reveal its charms. The flourishes and personal touches that Paterson inserts into all of these tunes make them his, and to do that on such well-traversed tunes as "Whisper Not" and "Alice in Wonderland" is no easy feat. If Breathing Space is any indication, you will be hearing more from Ben Paterson. I'd suggest picking this one up, so you'll have proof that you knew about him way back when.
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Based in Chicago, pianist Ben Paterson and his trio with bassist Jake Vinsel and drummer Jon Deitemyer perform seven standards and two originals on Breathing Space in a conventional but fresh manner. Paterson's trio is tied to the tradition of Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal and other groups that emphasize subtle and intuitive communication between the musicians while performing chordal-based music, but it does not directly copy any of its historical predecessors and sounds distinctive in its own right. Paterson is a skilled soloist and his interplay with Vinsel is consistently impressive. An inspired repertoire with several songs not performed very often (such as "Gigi Gryce's "Hymn Of The Orient," "Dancing In The Dark" and Scott LaFaro's "Gloria's Step"), some creative arrangements and reworkings (including a very slow and heartfelt "I Wish I Knew"), the first-rate musicianship and the joyful spirit are other reasons why Breathing Space is heartily recommended to fans of piano trios. This groups shows a lot of potential.
Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz.com
If Ben Paterson and his trio had come along in a different time, they might have been tagged by Miles Davis as his backing band. In the mid-fifties, Davis was searching for an Ahmad Jamal sound, and settled in with Red Garland in the piano chair to fill that spot. Buoyant swing with the ability to segue into interludes of the light, sparkling touch is what Davis got with Garland, then the more introspective Bill Evans, and later the more effervescent Wynton Kelly. Listening to Breathing Space, the Chicago-based debut of the Ben Paterson Trio, it's no surprise that Paterson cites influences of Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal and Oscar Peterson. The group swings easy and Paterson sparkles. Opening with Benny Golson's “Whisper Not,” bassist Jake Vinsel and drummer Jon Dietemyer lay down a solid foundation and some serious swing behind pianist Paterson. It's a vibrant sound, with lots of interaction and plenty of dancey keyboard zest as well as an assertive bass solo backed by some some relaxed Paterson comping. “I Thought You Should Know,” a Paterson original, has a bouncy, gregarious groove; and Gigi Gryce's “Hymn of the Orient” sizzles and pops. Miles Davis' “Nardis” finds Paterson and his trio-mates sounding very incisive and convivial. “I Wish I Knew” showcases the trio in a wonderfully wistful ballad mood; and on Scott LaFaro's “Gloria's Step,” Paterson and company invite the inevitable comparison to the Bill Evans Trio of Sunday at the Village Vanguard (Riverside, 1962). Breathing Space is an assured and auspicious debut, a fine set in the classic piano trio mode.
Larry Hollis, Cadence, Jan-Mar 2008
Although they don't receive the attention that the more flamboyant often do, there's a type of Jazz musician I like to call the tradition-keepers that constantly keep the embers glowing around the root forms of this music. I wouldn't necessarily label the Ben Paterson Trio as retro but there is no denying that they are at the very least conventional in their format and presentation. All three of these relatively young men hail from Chicago and have established their credentials in the playing venues around that toddling town. Perhaps the leader is best known in the Windy City environ from his place on the piano bench with Chi-town legend Von Freeman's combo. Although he sounds like his is slowly acquiring his own signature sound, there is a large shadow with the name Bill Evans hanging over his pianistic approach. Now, just give a listen to his deliberate interpretation of "I Wish I Knew." He even retools a composition from Evans' most famous bassist, Scott La Faro's "Gloria's Step." Nestled among the well chosen standards are two Paterson writings, "I Thought You Should Know" and "Manorism" that indicate he is finding his own voice compositionally. It was great to see a title from the almost forgotten Gigi Gryce. His "Hymn To The Orient" is just one of a myriad that younger musicians need to discover and explore. Nice interplay among both sidemen, especially bassman Jake Vinsel who has many moments to shine. Fans of the classic Jazz piano trio configurations will like this one.
George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon
Hey, Origin Records – don’t stop with just one CD by Ben Paterson and his trio. Origin gives us no indication where Ben Paterson comes from, but I can tell you that musically, he comes from the long and honored tradition of piano cats with great chops. Paterson, who looks like a youngster from the photo, plays with authority; understands the piano bop tradition from note one; leaves space intelligently (notice the album title) and swings like a veteran. His trio includes Jake Vinsel, bass and Jon Deitmyer, drums. The trio gives us a well polished, straight ahead, no gimmicks menu of such delights as “Whisper Not,” “Alice In Wonderland,” “I Wish I Knew,” “Nardis,” “Hymn To The Orient,” “Dancing In The Dark,” “Gloria’s Step” and more. This is the essence of swinging, in the pocket, piano trio jazz. Raise your glass to young players such as these. They are the ones who will keep the tradition alive for years to come.
Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.net
If you are anything like me, you occasionally get the urge to hear straight ahead jazz standards played well and without excessive and unnecessary adornment. Maybe not the usual suspects, those worn out melodies of which we have all gotten bored, but rather some of the lesser known, yet equally valuable entries in the Great American Songbook. On "Breathing Space," The Ben Paterson Trio thankfully provides a healthy dose of excellent traditional jazz trio work on a series of underappreciated songs, as well as two fine original compositions. Pianist Paterson has been performing at the top local Jazz venues since his arrival in the city in 2004 to attend the University of Chicago. He has worked with many of the elite of the local jazz scene and performed at the 2006 Jazz Fest. Perhaps best known as the legendary Von Freeman’s first call piano accompanist, Paterson has shown him self to be an astute student of piano history, calling players like Art Tatum, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson influential in his playing. His partners in this endeavor are both well known musicians who can be seen on any given night playing somewhere in Chicago. Bassist Jake Vinsel is an NIU grad whose solid swinging style finds him in great demand in the scene, while North Texas grad, drummer Jon Deitmyer seemingly is behind the kit at nearly every club in town. These three young men are extremely talented and play very well together on this warmly recorded release. Some of the unusual song choices on "Breathing Space" include Benny Golson’s "Whisper Not" (a song that seems to have been rediscovered by a few Jazz artists lately), Gigi Gryce's "Hymn of the Orient" and Scott LaFaro's “Gloria's Step.” The latter is especially apt considering the apparent Bill Evans Trio influence, but then again what piano trio hasn’t been influenced that iconic trinity? Nor do the players attempt to mimic anyone in particular; rather they have absorbed their influences and filtered them through their own subconsciousness, in the end producing their own personal sound and statement. That these young artists are already able to create such strong interplay is a sign of great things to come from these musicians. When the band kicks confidently into "Whisper" to start things off, the listener will know they are in for a pleasurable experience. Paterson's keyboard sparkles, and hints at flashes of his musical forebears (Evans, Peterson) while Vinsel's bass is thick and dark-toned and his solos simply swing like the dickens. Drummer Deitmyer meanwhile adds a solid and assured touch and an assortment of choice timbres. Finally, the recording by Brain Schwab at Victorian Recording Studios in Barrington, picks up everything in a clear and balanced manner, which allows the listener to feel he is in the same comfortable room as the trio. There are many highlights on this wonderful little gem of an album. The waltzing "Alice in Wonderland" is a swirling delight, while the tasty original "I Thought You Should Know" shows Paterson taking his group into a bit of a Monk milieu. The challenging "Hymn of the Orient" is given a breakneck workout, with group interplay that makes it seem like they have been playing together for decades, while still maintaining their youthful energy. And the beautiful slow ballad version of "I Wish I Knew" is almost worth the price of admission alone for its shimmering romantic languor. There is much more to laud about this album, which I am quite enamored of, but I won’t spoil the pleasure of finding out for yourself. However, I will say that "Breathing Space" is a remarkably mature and enjoyable debut that deserves to find a wider audience among fans of Jazz piano trios everywhere.
Dick Crockett, Bop'n Dick's Ten Picks
A young trio from Chicago jams to the jazz classics. Ben Paterson has that classic style with his own style, imbued with Chicago jazz lore. Reflections of Oscar Peterson as in “Whisper Not ,” Other ethers from this group, musings of Junior Mance and Wynton Kelly. The rest of the trio John Deitemyer, drums and Jake Vinsel, bass are proactive and fiesty on “Alice In Wonderland.” Listen to this, then to the roots and understand this is where the molten Chicago magma is coming from. If you have to get something your hipster middle class soul this is the band to groove upon. I didn't realize he was so cool, she thought over an aperitif as the Ben Paterson trio played on, late that night at the club. “May I drive you home,” he politely asked? They just met and her friend nodded her approval. Outside the club in a cool June Chicago evening, they waited as the attendant drove up in a white two seater sports convertible. He held the door as she stepped down and sat in her seat, her stiletto heels somewhat cumbersome as her dress lifted slightly in the breeze. He walked around opened the door sat down, shifted into gear as it jumped forward with a competent roar and down the street, turning on the radio. She asked as her hair flapped to the continuous breeze, “What kind of car is this?” “Triumph TR-3,” he said. And he turned to the All Night Jazz Show. And the Ben Paterson trio was playing “Whisper Not.” One to life's romantic post modern coincidences...