Released in 1970, Outrageous is one of the classic big-band soul-jazz workouts of the era. Written, arranged, and produced by Johnny Pate, this date is the linchpin between two eras in his long career. Before signing to MGM, he played with Stuff Smith, led his own jazz quintet in the 1950s, and produced soul, blues, and jazz sessions for King, ABC, and OKeh in Chicago. Included are sides by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions, Major Lance, Billy Butler, and more. When MGM signed him in the late '60s, he moved to New York and worked on classic jazz sides by Kenny Burrell (Asphalt Canyon Suite), Monty Alexander (Taste of Freedom), Phil Woods (Round Trip), Jimmy Smith (Groove Drops), and even Wes Montgomery (Movin' Wes). According to Moe Green's liner notes in the CD edition, Pate was required by contract to make one recording under his own name as part of his MGM/Verve contract -- Outrageous. Outrageous is the clear delineation between the early soul and jazz dates and Pate's forthcoming funk sessions and soundtrack work -- Shaft in Africa, Bucktown, and Brother on the Run -- and work with Minnie Riperton, Peabo Bryson, Natalie Cole, Jimmy Ponder, and Phyllis Hyman, to name a few. As an album, Outrageous towers over everything but Shaft in Africa for its originality and sophistication. Using some of the greatest session talents in the jazz world -- including Joe Beck, Jerome Richardson, Richard Tee, Snooky Young, Chuck Rainey, Montego Joe, Bernard Pretty Purdie, Al Grey, Ernie Royal, Cornell Dupree, etc. -- Pate crafted a deeply funky, groove-laden soul-jazz set of his own tunes, written specifically for the strengths of this big band that became a portal to his soundtrack work.

1		Outrageous
2		Constant Wind
3		That Ain T Too Cool
4		Frustrating Disappointment
5		Bound To Happen
6		No Hang Ups
7		Patience
8		You're Starting Too Fast
9		Totally Unexpected
10		Sangria

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