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Larry Pattis

Larry Pattis succeeds in merging styles of instrumental guitar not normally found in the same room together. His love of classical composers and performers is evident in the lyrical nature of his compositions. While devoted to the emotive and lyrical side of the instrument, Larry demonstrates considerable technical prowess. His musical vision is a blending of beauty with technique, to bring forth the many voices that the steel string guitar can manifest. Like that of classical guitar masters, Pattis' music is filled with strong melodic content and rich harmonic counterpoint, supported by moving, evocative rhythms. Pattis allows the experiences of life -- both large and small -- to influence his writing. His pieces are inspired by his relationships to places and friends, but also to the strong emotions we all have in common.

His musical explorations can be strong or tender; lighthearted or melancholy, but an artful contrast is always at the forefront of his compositions. Most of all, Larry Pattis loves the guitar in all its forms and many voices. He has embraced the instrument and its complex character, taking what pleases him most, then adding his own voice to a grand chorus of composers who have delighted audiences for centuries with the simplicity and elegance the solo guitar can offer. An evening spent with Larry represents an immersion in the beauty and diversity of the acoustic guitar.

Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine has said of Larry Pattis' first CD, "...Random Chance has us standing up and taking notes. Pattis is a gifted writer and acoustic guitarist. The mostly original works range from exquisite ballads that bring to mind Ed Gerhard and El McMeen, to up-tempo compositions that roll from his fingers with hints of early Pierre Bensusan." Acoustic Musician Magazine wrote, "Pattis creates tunes that are clean, pure as stream water, and warmly pleasing." Bensusan himself has said, "We can almost imagine him sitting there contemplating the landscape that he loves and, as we listen, we sit beside him and share this special moment. Each tune is like a private conversation, an invitation to an attractive garden of his."

Larry Pattis was born and raised in suburban Chicago. Along the way, Larry has been a gymnastics coach, delicatessen manager, concert producer, acoustic guitar store owner, and even spent a year in medical school at the age of 35. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Larry has toured all across the U.S., both with his partner and fellow Mel Bay artist El McMeen, and as a solo act. Their "Guitar Odyssey: Celtic to Contemporary" show has been a tremendous success everywhere they travel.

The original website of Larry Pattis