By the time John Patton recorded Along Came John, his debut as a leader, he had already become a familiar name around the Blue Note studios. He, guitarist Grant Green, and drummer Ben Dixon had become the label's regular soul-jazz rhythm section, playing on sessions by Lou Donaldson, Don Wilkerson, and Harold Vick, among others. They had developed an intuitive, empathetic interplay that elevated many of their sessions to near-greatness, at least in the realm of soul-jazz. That's one of the reasons why Along Came John is so successful -- the three know each other so well that their grooves are totally natural, which makes them quite appealing. These original compositions may not all be memorable, but the band's interaction, improvisation, and solos are. Tenor saxophonists Fred Jackson and Harold Vick provide good support, as well, but the show belongs to Patton, Green, and Dixon, who once again prove they are one of the finest soul-jazz combos of their era. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
A promising young organist at the time of 1963's Along Came John, his debut as a leader, John Patton was often heard in the company of guitarist Grant Green and drummer Ben Dixon as one of Blue Note's house rhythm sections. Patton, who was rediscovered in later years, never became as famous as his talent deserved but fortunately he made several very worthy recordings in the 1960s. On Along Came John, both Fred Jackson and Harold Vick make appearances on tenor but this is very much a showcase for Patton, who excels on the original material (mostly by him or Dixon) and shows that he was very much a contender for Jimmy Smith's throne.
-Scott Yanow
Remastered!
The Silver Meter; I'll Never Be Free; Spiffy Diffy; Along Came John; Gee Gee; Pig Foots.
Big John Patton, Organ; Fred Jackson, Harold Vick, Tenor Saxes; Grant Green, Guitar; Ben Dixon, Drums.
| Album Credits | |
Performance Credits |
|
| Ben Dixon | Drums |
| Big John Patton | Organ |
| Fred Jackson | Sax (Tenor) |
| Grant Green | Guitar |
| Harold Vick | Sax (Tenor) |
Technical Credits |
|
| Alfred Lion | Producer |
| Francis Wolff | Cover Photo |
| Joe Goldberg | Liner Notes |
| Michael Cuscuna | Liner Notes |
| Patrick Roques | Reissue Design |
| Reid Miles | Cover Design |
| Ron McMaster | Mastering |
| Rudy Van Gelder | Engineer |