The band consisted of four very talented musicians: Mike Patto (vocals, occasional keyboards), Ollie Halsall (guitar, vocals, keyboards, vibes), John Halsey (drums, percussion), and Clive Griffiths (bass, vocals). They produced some absolutely fantastic music -- an interesting mix of catchy rock riffs, unusual time signature changes, incredible guitar solos, ass-kicking vocals, jazz workouts, and humor. For one reason or another, however, it never earned them the recognition many feel they deserved.
Ollie was a particularly outstanding guitarist. From a technical standpoint, he was doing things back in 1970 that were way ahead of their time. His approach to soloing in particular was very creative -- stepping out of the typical scalar patterns and formulas and making it work like few others could. If you love rock and/or jazz guitarists and haven't heard Ollie yet, finding copies of the Patto albums and checking out Ollie's incredible playing is very highly recommended.
A great guitarist does not make a band, however, and the rest of Patto's members were exceptional musicians as well. Mike's striking voice could go from smooth and soulful to a blistering scream. And John and Clive provided a top-notch rhythm section.
Sadly, the Patto story is full of tragedy. Mike lost his fight with lymphatic leukemia in 1979. Ollie died from a drug-related heart attack in 1992. Clive was left paralyzed and without any memory of his days with Patto in an auto accident. John, though left with a bit of a limp from the same car accident, is alive and well and owns a great pub. John still drums a bit for special occasions.
Also sad is the fact that Patto has retained its relatively unknown status, even in musicians' circles. Hopefully someday more people will have Patto in their ears! - from http://members.aol.com/rutler/
ciaooo!!!doppio implacabile appuntamento live con l'ElettroCirco questo fine settimana:giovedi 8 al MEREDITH di Carema(To) e venerdi 9 presso il LO PEYO di Saint-vincent(Ao)insieme ai mitici Evilfish.2 serate di super rock'n'roll senza peli sulla lingua.(dipende)
Hey……… Thanks for being our friend over the years…... We're about to release in a few weeks our new 5th CD….”SIGNS” Have a preview listen and a look at our new myspace face lift for the promo for it..... The Streamliners sending you some good vibes for 2009.
Hello Patto, You ever remind me of the enigma of happy thoughts I once forgot. The sand runes crossing your divided consciousness do speak of contemptuous monsters being slayed by flying phoenixes. All my thoughts are lost to your graceful gaze? I keep searching for you between the cushions. You breath as delicately as vapors flowing towards an attractive flame. The stickers hugging the fruit smell better than the perfume of ambergris. You turn the atmosphere ablaze with currents of sweet ethylene when you smile. Your layers of absinthe and torsion form concretions of hyper-alimentation. Wood nymphs sprinkle your path with rose petals while you dance and prowl in the sequined moonlight with leftover cupcake sprinkles. Please let me hear more of that wonderful sound. Your eyes show as many deep and full shades of fire as a thousand supernovas. You are dressed with filaments and people take pains to make you fully incandescent this evening. Entranced by the sweet harmony of your lips, I gaze beyond reason to find the oasis of your brilliant soul.
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Thanks for the Ad. I ran the AMETHYST CLUB in Preston from 1969 to 1973 and PATTO played the venue on 3rd.Aug.1972 for a fee of £80.00. My own band Fatgut opened up for them on the night. PATTO were a truly AMAZING outfit and my memories of that evening will last forever. It is great that there is a site dedicated to the memory of the band and to show what the music world lost! Keep up the good work. Best Regards - Phil.
