What began 7 years ago as a joint project with brother/bassist/producer Billy Peterson grew and grew, gathering such guests as keyboardist/arranger David Hazeltine, drummer Stokely Williams (Mint Condition), percussionist Sheila E, keyboard/organ master Bobby Lyle, trumpeter Jim Rotondi and saxophonists Jerry Bergonzi and Eric Leeds. And of course there had to be a number of musicians named Peterson—brothers Billy (co-producer, arranger and bass), Ricky (keyboards, percussion, synths), Paul (bass, guitar, drums), and nephew Jason Peterson DeLaire (sax).

 

But one year into the project, Patty suffered an aortic dissection while driving home from a recording session, and miraculously was able to call 911. Only after emergency surgery, yielding a mechanical valve and partial mesh aorta, did she learn that only 1% survive aortic dissection. Presumedly far fewer would be able to return to a professional singing career. Patty was back on stage in six months, finished recording, and ultimately turned over the final phases of CD production to local producer/engineer/multi-instrumentalist Tony Axtell, who adds his musical talents to several tracks and serves as producer and mixing engineer for the project.

 

At the Dakota Jazz Club on Friday, October 19th, Patty officially releases The Very Thought of You with special guests, the Bobby Lyle Organ Trio, celebrating a new CD of their own. Tickets are available for sets at 7 and 10 pm, with both bands appearing at both sets.

 

The Very Thought of You

Patty’s signature sound throughout her career has been her fusion of jazz and R&B, and her band enthusiastically sells the cross-over to a wide audience. It’s long been a music ripe for slow dancing, sipping wine or brandy, making out on the couch, or simply listening as the stresses of the week begin to unravel. When you hear Patty Peterson live today, it’s hard to remember that a medical crisis threatened to stop that voice just a few years ago. That she’s still one of the premiere vendors of jazz and pop songs is strongly in evidence with the first track, Johnny Mandel’s “The Shadow of Your Smile.” It’s immediately seductive, the percussion section (Stokely Williams and Sheila E) lending a Latin sway while both electric piano and B-3 provide a deep and funky groove—keyboards rule when Hazeltine and Lyle play on the same track.

 

R&B all the way, “Bluer Than Blue” opens with a soulful line from Jason Peterson DeLaire before the sultry dance begins; Cole Porter may not have imagined “Love for Sale” with electronic and synthesized instrumentation, but most likely he would approve of Patty’s role as vocal temptress and the swampy interjections of brother Paul’s guitars. A little bayou bite continues on the Matt Denis classic “Angel Eyes,” thanks in part to Jim Rotondi’s muted trumpet as well as Patty’s patient and slinky storytelling.

 

With Ricky Peterson’s string arrangements, Hazeltine’s magical keyboarding and Billy’s strong basslines, the title track is surely one of the most provocative, one of Patty’s most heart-massaging efforts. Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” offers the most diverse instrumental support, with Ricky doing triple duties on keys, B-3 and strings; both Eric Leeds (tenor) and Jason (alto) on saxophones; Axtell doubling on vibes and hand percussion; Paul taking over the basslines and well as guitars, while Patty weaves her tale with prayerful conviction. Scaled down to a quintet, “Lover Man” focuses more on the pathos of the lyric, Hazetine and Billy Peterson sharing storytelling with Patty.

 

Two tracks feature jazz saxophonist monster Jerry Bergonzi: He lends a beboppish interlude to “Save Your Love for Me,” which also features Bobby Lyle’s funky organ and Patty’s impeccable timing. On the closing track, Bergonzi’s insertions gild a soulful arrangement of George Harrison’s “Something,” also a showcase for the lyrical side of David Hazeltine and Axtell’s string arrangements; Patty’s heart beats strong and sure as if internally synchronized to her voice.

 

And there’s no substitute for a live performance from Patty Peterson and company, and with the additional celebration of Bobby Lyle’s new CD. Reserved tickets recommended for this special night, October 19th.

 

The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; www.dakotacooks.com or contact the Box Office at 612-332-5299. Patty Peterson and Friends will hold a St Paul CD celebration (and Patty’s birthday party) November 9-10 at the Artists Quarter.