Larry Pattis

Larry Pattis's latest CD "Hands of Time," on the Guitar Odyssey label, fully demonstrates his unique combination of talents as composer, arranger, and master of the steel-string guitar. His heartfelt folk-oriented lyrical approach to the guitar, along with his classically inspired attention to tone, dynamics and subtle nuance, provides for a CD that is filled with track after track of music that demands the listener's attention. The compositions on "Hands of Time" are strong and confident, the guitar playing is rich with beautiful textures. Bill Frost of the Salt Lake City Weekly has said, "...weaving clear-sky contempo-folk instrumentals that speak lyrical volumes without even the slightest need for intruding vocals or extraneous players."

In listening to his superb recordings, or experiencing the magic of a live concert, Larry Pattis succeeds in merging styles of instrumental guitar music not normally found in the same room together. Both Folk and Classical styles seem to be fully represented within Larry's playing and compositions. While devoted to the emotive 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.

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. Recently re-settled outside of Eugene, Oregon, Larry has toured all across the United States.