Whatever you do don’t make me sound like Sergio Mendez, Patto’s Ollie Halsall exclaims before launching into one of the most crazy-ass guitar songs ever recorded, (Loud Green Song). They  may have not been considered hard rock or metal, but this and several other songs (Red Glow, Hold Me Back, San Antone) from their first album rock hard.  His guitar work will surely dazzle and make your chin drop!

    Thought of more of a jazz-rock act, they did both forms extremely well.  Ollie was simply from another galaxy and even played vibes, which is an instrument similar to the xylophone.  However, when he picked up the guitar, he played with a technique and intensity that was nearly unmatched, especially when you consider the fact that depending on the source he was only playing 2-4 years when the first album came out ( Are you kidding me!?!) Ollie simply was one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived (NO SH*T!) Sadly he died of a supposed hot shot in 1992(R.I.P.)

    Patto’s immense talent didn’t stop with Ollie, Mike Patto’s gritty, powerful and soulful vocals charged the songs with an electricity and earnestness that could bring a lump to your throat.  Tragically Mike succumbed to leukemia in ’75, but not

before providing vocals for Spooky Tooth’s great ,(obscure?) album The Mirror, where he played keys as well. John Halsey and Clive Griffiths rounded out the rhythm section, with their jazz leanings really adding an element of sophistication and energy that could not be denied.  In conclusion, the conglomeration of jazz and rock make for an experience that may take a bit to warm up to, but stick with it and it’s definitely worth the effort!