One of the nicest things about this job is the musicians that I
\nhappen to come into contact with. Example: A few weeks ago, I was
\nprivileged to review the latest disc from Celtic fingerstyle
\nguitarist El McMeen. As a result of that review, McMeen and I
\nstayed in e-mail contact – and he put me in touch with fellow
\nguitarist Larry Pattis, with whom McMeen has been touring.<\/p>\n
Pattis’s solo effort
\nRandom Chance<\/i> is more new-age than Celtic, but the end
\nresult is the same – beautifully written and played songs that seem
\nto sing from the instrument’s soundbox.<\/p>\n
With one exception, all the music performed on this disc is done
\nby Pattis, the lone exception being “Farewell To Tarwathie,” one of
\nthe few songs that seems to take on a Celtic tinge (thanks in no
\nsmall part to Kate MacLeod on fiddle and Andrew Morill on
\npennywhistle). The interplay between these three is outstanding,
\nand it almost makes me wish that there had been more collaborations
\nlike this on
\nRandom Chance<\/i>.<\/p>\n
Then again, I listen to Pattis’s guitar work on the remaining
\ntracks (including a bonus track featuring a newer spin on “Amazing
\nGrace”) and realize that further instrumentation might have broken
\nthe delicate web that he spins on guitar. Tracks like “Tim Time,”
\n“Karla’s Song,” “Three A.M.” and the title track all have an
\nabsolute magical quality about them – so much so that the peaceful
\nsounds of the acoustic guitar sings louder than you could ever
\nimagine.<\/p>\n
Of course, the fact that I used a term like “new-age” is sure to
\nscare some people off. Relax, laddies. I remember a time when
\n“new-age” meant you had people like Spencer Brewer or the late
\nMichael Hedges demonstrating their mastery through solo works.
\nPattis is just continuing in that beautiful path that others have
\nwalked in the past.<\/p>\n
\nRandom Chance<\/i> is a wonderful effort from a guitarist whose
\nwork should be heard by a wider audience. Hopefully the shows he
\nhas been doing with McMeen have helped in this case – but there’s
\nno reason why either of them couldn’t enjoy a shot in the real
\nspotlight. Pattis proves he’s earned his right with this disc.<\/p>\n