PATTO

First album from Patto, a group named after its singer's surname, released on the Vertigo label, developing a complex kind of progressive blues rock, based on the multi-instrumental prowess of Ollie Hallsall (future Tempest with John Hiseman). Completing the quartet are the raspy-voiced Mike Patto, the sturdy drummer John Halsey and pedestrian bassist Clive Griiffiths. While Patto's "progressive blues rock" label is not really that appropriate, it's quite difficult to define their music accurately as it spans from straight RnR (San Antone) to bluesier rock ala Free (Goverment Man) to jazzy stuff (Money Bag). The ugly drawing on the gatefold artwork is by the same that will do Patto's other album and took care of May Blitz's just as ugly artworks.

Most of Patto"s interest lies in their leader's (Halsall) multi-instrumental virtuoso talents, but he appears to be the main songwriter as well. If the opening side bears collectively-written tracks that flirts between blues and rock (between Humble Pie and Free) with the best track being the acoustic Time To Die and great guitar solo in the aptly-named Red Glow; the flipside belongs to him alone (if you'll except Mike Patto's lyrics credits) and presents the most interesting tracks mentioned above (Money Bag and Gov't Man), but even then, it's not unique and outside one track, it's not essential for the majority of progheads. However most of the proggyness of Patto appear in the jazz-influenced incredible guitar playing from Hallsall's , as he was quite a live attraction with his very young age. Definitely their better album. .

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