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Ben Paterson: Cookin' in the Couvre

By Pierre Giroux
January 11, 2025
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Ben Paterson

piano
b.1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Ben Paterson's release Cookin' in the Couve captures the energy and intimacy of a jazz trio in full swing. The album features Paterson on piano,

Neal Miner

bass, acoustic
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Neal Miner on bass and

" data-original-title="" title="">Aaron Seeber on drums as they deliver hard-swinging blues-infused jazz, balancing technical finesse with soulful expression. The set list is a delightful mix of Paterson originals and some of his favorite blues-heavy standards, each chosen to showcase the trio's cohesion and groove.

The session opens with the title track, "Cookin' in the Couve, " a Paterson original that cooks from the opening notes. Paterson covers the keyboard with fresh harmonic ideas and intricate melodic turns. Seeber takes a brushwork solo, adding texture and depth to the number. Guitarist

Kenny Burrell

guitar, electric
b.1931

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Burrell penned "Chitlins Con Carne," in which Paterson captures the number's bluesy intent, grounding the interpretation in a textured exploration. Miner's solo is filled with rich and supple bass lines.

Henry Nemo wrote "'Tis Autumn" in 1941, but it never really caught on until 1949 when it was recorded by the

Nat King Cole

piano and vocals
1919 - 1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Nat King Cole Trio, turning it into a jazz standard. Paterson taps into the beautiful melody and interesting harmonic construction, delivering an expressive version of the number in full command of timbre and texture for a softly luminous effect. In 1960, pianist

Bobby Timmons

piano
1935 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Timmons recorded This Here Is Bobby Timmons on the Riverside label. It was his first album as a sole leader, and it contained his hard bop composition, "This Here." Paterson's take on the number is filled with blues-infused fervor as his left-hand comping provides a percussive counterpoint to his melodic right hand. Seeber's drumming accents perform a buoyant drive, with Miner's bass providing the glue to keep it all together.

Another blues master is pianist

Ray Bryant

piano
1931 - 2011

" data-original-title="" title="">Ray Bryant. His piece, "Chicken 'N' Dumplins," is fueled by Paterson's soulful touch evoking the spirit of piano greats such as

Gene Harris

piano
1933 - 2000

" data-original-title="" title="">Gene Harris and

Oscar Peterson

piano
1925 - 2007

" data-original-title="" title="">Oscar Peterson. Miner and Seeber are locked into a rhythmic pocket that keeps the momentum alive. The closer is another Paterson original, "Morning Perusal." In this bossa nova-framed theme, the number is a testament to the enduring appeal of the piano trio format. Paterson, Miner and Seeber demonstrate how tradition and innovation coexist, delivering a performance that swings while remaining deeply emotive.

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Track Listing

Cookin' in the Couve; Chitlins Con Carne; North Pond Stroll; 'Tis Autumn; This Here; Digging Around; Chicken 'N' Dumplins; Up The Exchange; Quel Temps Fait Il ? Paris; Morning Perusal.

Personnel

Ben Paterson

piano

Neal Miner

bass, acoustic

Aaron Seeber

drums

Album information

Title: Cookin' in the Couvre | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Cellar Music Group

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