Exploring music from a modern perspective while maintaining an emphasis on melodic improvisation and a groove firmly rooted in the tradition, Chicago pianist Ben Paterson's debut recording Breathing Space makes a bold statement as to why he is a highly regarded fixture at all of Chicago's jazz clubs and a regular in the band of tenor legend, Von Freeman. Ben draws from his influences of Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal and Oscar Peterson to create a swinging group sound with two of Chicago's finest, like-minded young musicians, Jake Vinsel and Jon Deitemyer.