‘Patto’ 1970, Vertigo Records.
Formed in 1970 by some members of the psychedelic band ‘Timebox’ including lead singer Mike Patto. Quickly they were signed to Vertigo records. The band moved away from their psychedelic roots & towards progressive jazz-rock, as a few bands of the time were doing under the Vertigo label
The bands opening track ‘The Man’ is an effortlessly cool opening, which gives an insight into part of what’s to come but also you hear the restraint in Mikes voice because he is saving unleashing his superb vocals for later. For a four piece band there is so much going on here & it’s quite impressive. Drummer John Halsey seems to be the best at juggling between the genres on show. Ollie Halsall’s Guitars switch between blues & rock on tracks is not subtle, he churns it out very well like on ‘Red Glow’ were the Rock just takes over with Halsey’s drums staying with him the whole way.
Theres a great raw flow from Halsall’s guitar on The 10 minute ‘Money Bag’. Clive Griffiths beautiful Bass opening the song then turns, Clive changes to a jazz bass line with all instruments creating something different on this track compared to the rest of the album, it’s certainly more experimental, there’s more expression. Halsall unleashes nice rock riffs & solos until Mike Patto brings his smoky voice to the song which then changes the mood back to blues for a time before unique ending to the song.
There’s an almost unconscious fight between what there should be more of in terms of what genre takes over in certain songs, but that’s okay. There is nothing not to like here & is an interesting album, the pick for me is ‘Money Bag’. There’s a lot of creativity here, this is their best although I do like all their albums.
Unfortunately success didn’t follow after this album ‘Hold your fire’ 1971 was the last on Vertigo & with luck they were signed to Island records for 1972’s Roll ‘em smoke ‘em put another line out. Members left & Mile Patto disbanded Patto before ‘Monkeys bum’ 1973 could be released. The latter would be released in various formats from 1995-2017.
Maybe they were misunderstood? Or just not as likeable as I think they are? Who knows, I don’t, I’m not sure who the odd looking face coming through the window is on the gatefold or why? I guess I’ve never thought about it until now & I think that’s the point of Patto’s music, don’t over think it, just listen. One thing for sure is there can be no doubt about their musical abilities or Mike’s voice, watch them live it’s a treat.
Sleeve 8/10
Music 8/10
Record quality 7/10
