Will Patton’s Latitudes and Departures recording arrived at my house a week ago. It won’t be making an appearance outside of my CD player any time in the near future. It took one time through to make this one of my all-time favorite mandolin recordings. Period. A great musician is someone with exceptional tone, soloing skills that pull you inside the piece, and most importantly, a unique musical identity. That’s Will Patton. If I had to pick a favorite moment it would be the mandolin and mandola layered big band riffing on Wabash (the opening cut). Imagine if the hot Benny Goodman small groups on the 1940’s had played string instruments and you get the idea. Evidence of Patton’s great skill as an arranger and band leader. Very, very highly recommended.
