John Patton – Let 'Em Roll (Blue Note Tone Poet)

Big John Patton's Let 'Em Roll captures the Hammond B-3 master in a particularly distinctive 1965 Blue Note session, made during his strong run of 1960s soul-jazz records. Instead of sticking to the usual organ-trio formula, Patton brought in vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson alongside guitarist Grant Green and drummer Otis Finch, giving the music extra depth, structure, and a more modern edge without losing its earthy groove.

That line-up makes this one stand out in Patton's catalogue. The title track and Patton's own Latona show how comfortably he could balance blues feeling, Latin movement, and crisp ensemble interplay, while the reading of Hank Mobley's The Turnaround pushes the session deeper into soulful hard bop territory. Patton had already made his mark after early appearances on Lou Donaldson records and his 1963 Blue Note debut Along Came John, but Let 'Em Roll is often singled out as one of his finest and most unusual albums.

This Tone Poet edition also helps explain why the record remains such a rewarding listen now: the album's spacious, groove-led interplay really benefits from an audiophile reissue that treats it as more than a cult favourite. For anyone drawn to Blue Note organ dates, Grant Green's sharp guitar work, or Bobby Hutcherson's subtle colour, this is an especially satisfying meeting point.

Features

• 180g, Stereo, Blue Note Tone Poet Series
• Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original master tapes
• Produced by Joe Harley
• Pressed at RTI
• Deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket

Reviews

• This is one of the least appreciated of Patton's records, and there's no reason for it; it is great. - AllMusic.com