PATTO

One of my favourite albums of all time but it isn't quite jazz/rock. It is also one of the few albums I own in two formats as on the CD version I have, the bonus track (Hanging Rope) is worth the price of admission alone...and it is this version I am reviewing.

Patto was the singer (Mike) but he was outshone, intentionally or otherwise, by the genius guitar of Ollie Halsall. I like Pattos phrasing/voice and if you imagine a far less overwrought Joe Cocker but with a conversationalist/story telling style then you are in the same room.

The opening track (The Man) is subtle as. A deceptively relaxed feel is offset by unexpected progressions and inverted dyad chordings from Halsall before a vibes section (very Family) lulls you back ...although they don't settle for anything as bourgeoise as repetition of a riff/theme because sudden time changes and stops behind the vibes throws it slightly off kilter. Your attention should be grabbed already. Hold Me Back offers surprising modulations in the verse and then back down for the chorus, Time To Die is the acoustic track and suits Pattos vocal style. Anyhow, it was practically the law in 1970 to have a hard/blues/rock track or two on a long haired album and Patto do it in style with Red Glow and Halsalls solos are enhanced by the odd jazz run rather than blues bends and are casually faster than say an Alvin Lee...as if speed matters. They throw in a rock n roll pastiche on San Antone but with that knowing wink of jazz progressions tossed in when least expected. Money Bag is the 'take notice' track. Halsall goes full jazz rock re his guitar and leaves ...looking at the date...say Larry Coryell and others in the dust (I confess off hand I don't know what Holdsworth was up to in 1970 post 'Igginbottom) and the nearest I have heard is a current PA artist omission Ray Russell and his '71 album Rites & Rituals where a free jazz/Ornette Coleman styling is included. This continues to the bonus track of Hanging Rope where a near 6 min Halsall jazz rock guitar fest introduction is offered up before the verse/chorus before 'back to you Ollie' for another 5 mins then a reprise of v&c and 'the end'. 15 minutes of laying untouched and unheard in the vaults for 25-30 years heaven.

I understand why it appears to be a 3.85 average rating as it isn't out and out whichever section you want to file it under. But 45 years of listening (a mates older brother gave me the album 'cos its cr*p' in '79ish....I know a Vertigo swirl in great condition but worth about two pence back then!) and discovering the subtleties and understanding the guitar especially and now having (or had and got rid of enough) 1970 contemporary albums to compare it to...it still grows in my estimation.

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