Record Reviews

PATTO ~ HOLD YOUR FIRE (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2582 (Barcode: 5013929468245) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the second album by the short-lived British Progressive Rock group PattoFind albums by this artist, led by the charismatic vocalist Mike PattoFind albums by this artist, which also included guitarist / vibraphonist / pianist Ollie HalsallFind albums by this artist, bassist Clive GriffithsFind albums by this artist and drummer John HalseyFind albums by this artist. The original album presented eight songs, all composed by Halsall with lyrics by Mike Patto. This remastered and expended edition adds two outtakes from the album studio recordings as bonus tracks and a second CD with eight tracks from BBC radio sessions and three alternate takes of the studio album. Although Patto did not achieve much recognition at the time, their albums are considered as an integral part of the early British Prog, mainly thanks to the extraordinary guitar work by Halsall, who influenced many important Rock guitarists of his generation. After Patto disbanded Halsall played in TempestFind albums by this artist, BoxerFind albums by this artist and in Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist´ band until his untimely death in 1992. Mike Patto also died tragically early in 1979 as a victim of cancer. The music is an amalgam of Blues, Rock and some Jazz-Rock influences, which in retrospect sounds like many other similar products of the period, sadly not leaving any remarkable musical statements, except the already mentioned guitar parts by Halsall. But it is definitely a nice listening experience with a strong nostalgic tinge. Overall this is an opportunity to revisit some lesser known recordings of early British Prog, which still are relevant today and pay tribute to one of the forgotten guitar heroes of that period.

Updated: 02/08/2019Posted: 02/08/2019

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend