Patto-Patto (1970)

Patto were a magnificent hard rock band that rose from the ashes of Timebox, another interesting British group that was active between 1967 and 1969. Patto's lineup consisted of Mike Patto (vocals), Ollie Halsall (guitar), John Halsey (drums) and Clive Griffiths (bass). With a style that drew from jazz rock, hard rock, and progressive rock, Patton released three albums, beginning with their self-titled debut, "Patto", released in 1970 on the Vertigo label, which specialized in avant-garde sounds. A year later came "Hold Your Fire", and in 1972 they released their final album, "Roll 'Em, Smoke 'Em, Put Another Line Out". Despite the exceptional quality of these three albums, they received very little promotional exposure, leading the band to call it quits after the last release. Songs like "Hold Me Back", "Red Glow", "Magic Door", "Give It All Away", "Flat Footed Woman", and "Singing the Blues and Reds" are steeped in blues, funk, jazz, and rock, featuring excellent performances with striking guitar riffs and Mike Patto's soaring vocals. Over the years, Patton became one of Britain's quintessential cult bands.