Pat Britt - Jazz from San Francisco (Remastered) (2024)

Born on January 18, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pat Britt’s musical odyssey began in San Mateo, California. Initially drawn to rhythm and blues, his passion for music blossomed when he discovered jazz at the age of 17. Despite a late start, Pat quickly mastered the saxophone, forging a path in the vibrant San Francisco jazz scene.

In 1957, a serendipitous encounter with Pete Douglas at his beach house on Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay, sparked a lifelong collaboration. Together, they pioneered what in 1966 it would recome the renowned Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, a haven for jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike.

In 1965, Pat had formed his own quintet, which included his friends George Muribus on piano, Bruce Wolf, valve trombone; Len Lasher, bass; Paul Distel alternating with Buddy Barnhill, drums; and occasionally Al Molina, on trumpet. The following year with this lineup, Pat recorded his first album as a leader, but it wasn’t released until 1971. “We did some straight ahead pieces as well as a few blues tunes. It’s kind of unfortunate that the album had to sit in the can for so long. Since all the players on the date lived in the area, we decided to title the album ‘Jazz from San Francisco’.

From 1970 he moved to Los Angeles, where Pat’s musical prowess shone brightly, both as a performer and as a record producer. Until 2000 he graced stages across Los Angeles, leading his quintet and the Dirty Dozen band, leaving an indelible mark on the jazz landscape.

In 2005, Pat received recognition for his lasting impact on Bach and the jazz community at large. Pete Douglas fondly remembered Pat as the catalyst for their shared musical journey.

Following Pete’s passing in 2014, Pat’s spirit lived on through the Bach’s passionate members, who continued to uphold its musical legacy. Pat Britt’s unwavering dedication to jazz and his generous spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of all who were touched by his music. May he be remembered fondly.

—Jordi Pujol