Patto
| Company type | Rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 in London, England |
| Founder | Mike Patto |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums |
Patto was a rock group from England, established in London in 1970 by singer Mike Patto. The ensemble featured former members of Timebox: Mike Patto himself, guitarist and vibraphone artist Ollie Halsall, bassist Clive Griffiths, and drummer John Halsey.
Early years and single releases
Timebox originated from earlier bands such as The Bo Street Runners, Patto's People, and Chicago Blue Line. This band, known for its blend of soul and psychedelic pop, issued singles under Pye's Piccadilly label before moving to Decca's Deram in 1967. From 1967 through 1969, they produced five singles with Deram and made appearances on BBC radio programs including Noise at Nine and Stuart Henry on Sunday. Following the departure of keyboardist Chris Holmes, the group transitioned towards a progressive rock style.
Progressive rock period
In 1970, the band Patto was formed by members from Timebox and secured a contract with the newly established Vertigo. Their first album, produced by Muff Winwood, was recorded live within the studio setting.
By late 1971, they completed their sophomore album, Hold Your Fire, but were subsequently dropped by Vertigo due to insufficient sales. Nevertheless, they earned recognition as an energetic live performance group. Utilizing Winwood’s industry contacts, Patto signed with Island and released their third album, Roll 'em Smoke 'em Put Another Line Out, in 1972.
Work commenced in 1973 on a fourth album featuring more commercially oriented songs written by Mike Patto. This record, titled Monkey's Bum, was not released at that time. With Ollie Halsall absent and members involved in other endeavors, the band dissolved. Mike Patto then went on to create Boxer together with Halsall.
In 2009, Patto’s song "The Man" was used in promotional trailers for the film Observe and Report starring Seth Rogen, also appearing on the movie’s soundtrack alongside "Sittin' Back Easy".
Band lineup
- Mike Patto – lead vocals
- Ollie Halsall – lead and acoustic guitars, piano, vibraphone
- Clive Griffiths – bass guitar
- John Halsey – drums
Studio albums
- 1970 – Patto
- 1971 – Hold Your Fire
- 1972 – Roll 'em Smoke 'em Put Another Line Out
- 2017 – Monkey's Bum (recorded in 1973; released in 2017)
Live albums
- 2000 – Warts and All
External links
- Bo Street Runners History
- pattofan