Search - Pat Flynn :: Revision

Plenty of eclectic musical intensity and artistry

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 09/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 48:58 -- Three years after his solo debut project called "reQuest," guitarist/vocalist Pat Flynn serves up a rollicking "reVision" with plenty of eclectic musical intensity and artistry incorporating twenty other players and singers to varying degrees. Each song (whether an original or cover from the likes Bob Dylan, Steve Goodman, Huddie Ledbetter, Tim May, Jim Ibbotson) is given its own unique treatment with acoustic instrumentation and percussion. The set list was written to present plenty of punch, spice, flavors and drive. Played by Noam Pikelny or Russ Pahl, the banjo finds its way into three cuts (All Along the Watchtower, This Heart of Mine, Sarah in the Summer) that sit at opening, midway, and closing tracks. The tastes of Jim Hoke's harmonica, Michael Witcher's Dobro and lap steel, and Luke Bulla's or Gabe Witcher's fiddle embellish some of the beautifully-rendered songs. Jeff Taylor's accordion, concertina or whistles are always pleasures to hear in Americana music like "Wayfaring Stranger," "I Want to Know," and "Sarah in the Summer." Standout harmony vocals are sung by nine different individuals including Becky Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs, Heather Lawson, Rentto Aguas, Eddie Aguas, Walter Aguas, and others. Becky, Sonya and Heather infuse the bluegrass zing into "King of Babylon," while the Aquas brothers provide more sublimely crafted background vocal flavorings to "Wayfaring Strranger" and two of Pat's originals (I Want to Know, Father Time).



Flynn's many adventurous musical pursuits are well documented in his impressive resume. Pat's a five-time winner of Frets magazine's readers poll for "Best Acoustic Guitarist." That made him a member of their Gallery of the Greats. As a session guitarist, Pat's contributed to over 350 albums, including many award-winners like Randy Travis' "Rise and Shine" and Lee Anne Womack's "I Hope You Dance." He's currently producing many up-and-coming acts like Cadillac Sky. Bluegrassers remember his sojourn with New Grass Revival in the 1980s, and he dedicates "This Heart of Mine" to them. "Looking for Trouble" is dedicated to the memory of Steve Goodman.



Pat Flynn's "reVision" has plenty of hustle, his voice is full of steam, and his nimble-fingered guitar breaks are redHot. The epitome of Pat Flynn's well-arranged acoustic country rock is the album's closer, "Sarah in the Summer," that brings back memories of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's original rendition. In the driver's seat, Pat Flynn takes us right along on a joyful ride to that place where the roaring river sings. His quest is one with many exciting musical escapades. Pat's exciting multi-album vision (or reVision) for a musical odyssey continues to document his musical exploration in both epic and poetic fashion. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

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