Jeb Patton Trio featuring Albert “Tootie” Heath
Jeb Patton, piano; David Wong, bass; Albert “Tootie” Heath, drums

Tuesday, July 28, 7:30 pm
Campbell Recital Hall
Tickets: $34 general | $17 students

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Listen: Jeb Patton – "A Fower is a Lovesome Thing"

Listen: Jeb Patton – "Worlds Apart"

With his irrepressibly swinging style and superlative musicianship, Jeb Patton has quickly become one of the first-call pianists for jazz artists from a wide range of styles and traditions. Patton studied intensively with tenor saxophone giant Jimmy Heath and pianist Sir Roland Hanna, absorbing the melodic sophistication of these great jazz masters and becoming well-versed in many styles. Through gigs with his former mentor Patton formed one of the most significant musical relationships of his career, becoming the pianist of choice for the legendary Heath Brothers. He has also performed and recorded with his own groups, as well as projects led by Lewis Nash, Winard Harper, and many others. The quality of the musical company he keeps is a testament to Patton’s versatility, creativity, and musicianship. Drummer Albert Tootie Heath is a venerable master who has played on countless recordings with virtually every jazz legend imaginable. His classic sound embodies the relaxed yet propulsive feel of the best jazz drumming. Bassist David Wong, also a frequent collaborator with the Heath Brothers, is another young musician who has learned from the greatest performers in jazz and carries their legacy forward.

“…pianist Jeb Patton is… a player of great expression, bringing to the surface every little vignette that gives a song its depth and character.”

– All About Jazz

Jeb Patton website

Supported in part by Phillip N. Kirkeby

Photo Credit: Jimmy Ryan.

Q&A with Jeb Patton

What inspires you most?
Having a whole summer day with nothing to do but spend it learning something new on the piano—with a huge glass of unsweetened ice tea.  

Any pre-gig rituals?
Well, actually, when I felt nervous before a performance a nice run around the block (or to the gig if I was running late) seemed to do the trick.

Describe the most memorable gig you’ve ever attended when you weren’t playing but were in the audience.
I was at the Knickerbocker in NY listening to Sir Roland Hanna and Ron Carter play duo. Suddenly, Frank Wess appeared with his flute and requested "The Summer Knows". Sir Roland was a bit reluctant, because I think he thought of that song as something overplayed and over-sentimental. He soon agreed, and they began to play. At the time, it was fresh to me. Sir Roland absolutely created magic.

What’s your pet peeve?
Being late

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I've always wanted to be more talkative and more at ease in a room full of people. Either that, or to have a smaller forehead.

Is there a particular teacher or teachers who had a strong influence on you?
Of course, Jimmy Heath. Also, Sir Roland Hanna, and my piano teacher growing up in Maryland, Doris Chase.

What advice would you give to young jazz musicians developing their craft?
Just like if you were fascinated with lawn mowers and able to completely dissemble them and reassemble them. Apply that inquisitive mind and dissemble and reassemble musical ideas, phrases, songs, patterns, chord progressions, solos etc....

Complete this thought: “I can’t live without…”
Really good coffee.