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.

Rating: A

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

Comments