Published on Apr 5, 2000
One of the nicest things about this job is the musicians that I
happen to come into contact with. Example: A few weeks ago, I was
privileged to review the latest disc from Celtic fingerstyle
guitarist El McMeen. As a result of that review, McMeen and I
stayed in e-mail contact – and he put me in touch with fellow
guitarist Larry Pattis, with whom McMeen has been touring.
Pattis’s solo effort
Random Chance is more new-age than Celtic, but the end
result is the same – beautifully written and played songs that seem
to sing from the instrument’s soundbox.
With one exception, all the music performed on this disc is done
by Pattis, the lone exception being “Farewell To Tarwathie,” one of
the few songs that seems to take on a Celtic tinge (thanks in no
small part to Kate MacLeod on fiddle and Andrew Morill on
pennywhistle). The interplay between these three is outstanding,
and it almost makes me wish that there had been more collaborations
like this on
Random Chance.
Then again, I listen to Pattis’s guitar work on the remaining
tracks (including a bonus track featuring a newer spin on “Amazing
Grace”) and realize that further instrumentation might have broken
the delicate web that he spins on guitar. Tracks like “Tim Time,”
“Karla’s Song,” “Three A.M.” and the title track all have an
absolute magical quality about them – so much so that the peaceful
sounds of the acoustic guitar sings louder than you could ever
imagine.
Of course, the fact that I used a term like “new-age” is sure to
scare some people off. Relax, laddies. I remember a time when
“new-age” meant you had people like Spencer Brewer or the late
Michael Hedges demonstrating their mastery through solo works.
Pattis is just continuing in that beautiful path that others have
walked in the past.
Random Chance is a wonderful effort from a guitarist whose
work should be heard by a wider audience. Hopefully the shows he
has been doing with McMeen have helped in this case – but there’s
no reason why either of them couldn’t enjoy a shot in the real
spotlight. Pattis proves he’s earned his right with this disc.
For more information or to order this CD, please
visit
Larry’s site.