What makes Blue John by John Patton notable?

Blue John received critical acclaim upon its release, with notable reviews from jazz publications highlighting its innovative blend of styles. The album contributed to the revitalization of interest in soul jazz during the mid-1980s, influencing both contemporary musicians and listeners alike. Released in 1986, Blue John was John Patton's first album since signing with the Muse label, positioning him for a resurgence in his career after a decade-long hiatus from recording. This album marked a return to the studio after his earlier works in the 1960s, allowing him to explore new musical landscapes while staying true to his roots.

How many songs are on Blue John?

Blue John has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Blue John

John Patton · 1986

39 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of soulful grooves and intricate jazz improvisation, anchored by Patton's dynamic organ work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hot Sauce — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious rhythm and showcases Patton's mastery of blending funk elements with traditional jazz structures.
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Dem Dirty Blues — A standout piece that highlights Patton's ability to merge gritty blues influences with sophisticated jazz arrangements, making it emblematic of his unique sound.
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Blue John — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album, featuring a captivating interplay between instruments and a reflective mood that resonates throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong organ-led compositions with solid craftsmanship, though it doesn't fully stand out in the broader jazz landscape.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of organ as the lead instrument, with intricate improvisations layered over rhythmic grooves.
Each track maintains a mid to up-tempo pace, with only slight variations in energy and complexity across the six pieces.
The final track, 'Blue John', serves as a reflective conclusion, slowing down the tempo and allowing for extended improvisation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Hot Sauce 7:55
2 Bermuda Clay House 5:55
3 Dem Dirty Blues 6:15
4 Country Girl 6:51
5 Nicety 5:30
6 Blue John 7:28

What to play next

Listen next

Blue Planet Man

1993

Go back to

Soul Connection

1983

Full John Patton discography Artists like John Patton

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata