The Roy Patterson Quartet Inland Passages
(Justin Time)
Reviewed by Greg Amirault

After having listened to guitarist Roy Patterson’s latest recording, Inland Passages, it is quite easy to see why this group won last year’s competition at the Montreal jazz festival. The Roy Patterson Quartet is rounded out by Brian Dickinson on piano, Jim Vivian on bass and Ted Warren on drums.

The playing and writing on this CD is of a high and mature level. The sound and concept of the group is reminiscent of the John Abercrombie and John Scofield quartets of the late seventies, which had and continue to have a large influence on the modern jazz guitarist. Patterson’s playing is strong, melodic and tasteful, with no wasted notes, as is his writing.

The repertoire consists of a five-movement suite by Patterson, one tune by Dickinson and two jazz standards- I Wish I Knew and Long Ago and Far Away. The movements of the suite are separated by an interlude, each of which is an improvised solo piece played by a different member of the group. The interludes provide an element of continuity throughout the entire suite.

If you have not yet heard Roy Patterson, this CD is a great introduction to his fine playing and writing. I recommend it highly.

Greg Amirault is a Montreal guitarist and composer.