Patty Larkin
Country of origin:
U.S.
Type of music generally:
Contemporary folk / pop
Status:
Most recent release, Still Green (2013)
See also:
Official Patty Larkin page
Comparisons:
Susan Werner, Cheryl Wheeler, Christine Lavin, Dar Williams. (Sherlyn.Koo)
Covers/own material:
Mainly her own material, with a few covers.
General comments:
Patty Larkin has described her music as "folk music meets the Beat Generation meets rock n roll"—a blend of folk and pop, with a good dose of humour and a twist of rock. Patty has been a part of the New England folk scene for many years, and has won a record nine Boston Music Awards. She is a fantastic guitar player with a wonderful voice, and is also an excellent songwriter with a slightly skewed sense of humour. Well worth checking out. (Sherlyn.Koo)she's a pretty funny person, with quite a songwriting talent. and she plays a mean guitar. i'm not sure that i like her style of music, but i certainly can enjoy it live when performed by such a talented person and band. i have really enjoyed her live performances and rather like her last few records, especially the latest, perishable fruit. (woj@smoe.org)
Patty Larkin is great if you like the whole neo-folk singer/songwriter thing. She's almost as funny as Happy Rhodes. :) She is also one of the most amazing guitarists alive today. (meth@smoe.org)
Comments about live performance:
live, patty larkin delivers a smorgasbord of nifty rocked-up numbers and personal insanity (the channeling of carmen miranda was one particularly inspired moment). (woj@smoe.org)Then Patty Larkin hit the stage and did her usual gig, blowing everyone away with her guitar playing and making hilarious comments in between songs. She is simply an incredible guitar goddess. She plays solo. Regardless of the fact that she has a brand-new album out, she is basically doing the same set she's done for the past 3 years. (Buy A GoGo to hear said set.) (10/00)
When I saw Patty Larkin after her latest live album A Go Go was released she did almost exactly the same set that was on the record. (Since she's on a perpetual tour, I'm not sure if you could say she was on tour to support the album, but then again I'm not sure you couldn't say that, either.) She did the exact same set as on the record, in the same order. At first I thought she was doing this because the show was at The Bottom Line, which is where the recording was made, but then I realized it was just the same set I've been seeing her do for the past 4 years. (sigh) (2/01, meth@smoe.org)I just saw Patty Larkin's sold-out show at Berkeley's Freight and Salvage last night...from previous shows, I knew I'd be blown away again, but last night was even better than I expected...she's traveling with a tight band consisting of Ben Wittman on drums and Marc Shulman on electric guitar. (9/00, RAVEN@igc.org)
Recommended first album:
Live in the Square for folk fans, Strangers World for ecto fans.
Recordings:
- Step Into The Light (1985)
- I'm Fine (1987)
- Live in the Square (1990, live)
- Tango (1991)
- Angels Running (1993)
- Strangers World (1995)
- Perishable Fruit (1997)
- a gogo: Live On Tour (1999, live)
- regrooving the dream (2000)
- Red=Luck (2003)
- Watch The Sky (2008)
- 25 (2010)
- Still Green (2013)
Step Into The Light
Release info:
1985—Philo—PH 1103
Availability:
Fairly available in the U.S.
Ecto priority:
Recommended for folk fans.
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, six string guitar, high string guitar, electric guitar, accordion
Guest artists:
Emily Bruell—viola
John Curtis—mandolin, six string guitar, slide guitar, electric guitar
Catherine David—vocals
Richard Gates—electric bass, vocals
Betsy Goy—cello
Tim Jackson—drums
Sheila Larkin—piano, vocals
Tao Leyasmeyer—piano
Gragg Lunsford—vocals
Cercie Miller—alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
Sheldon Mirowitz—synthesizer
Produced by:
Gragg Lunsford and Patty Larkin
Comments:
Step Into the Light is a pretty good debut album, although in my opinion Larkin hadn't quite hit her vocal stride when this was recorded. In fact, the first few times I heard this album I didn't think it even sounded like her at all. Still, the album is nicely produced and contains some great songs ranging from Patty's specialty, ballads about love ("Valentine", "Day to Day") to more upbeat, humourous numbers ("Caffeine", "Not Bad for a Broad"). A record that grows on you the more you listen to it—recommended for fans of Larkin's more folky work. (Sherlyn.Koo)
I'm Fine
Release info:
1987—Philo—PH 1115
Availability:
Fairly available in the U.S.
Ecto priority:
Recommended for folk fans.
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, acoustic guitar
Guest artists:
Tony Allen—drums
Robin Batteau—violin
James Brough—synthesizer
Catharine David—vocals
Richard Gates—bass, vocals
Cercie Miller—alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
Chuck Parrish—electric guitar
Rich Purro—percussion
Produced by:
Darleen Wilson, also co-produced by Patty Larkin and Gragg Lunsford
Comments:
I'm Fine is another very good effort from Larkin, following much the same vein as her debut Step Into the Light. Again, the album is nicely produced (this time by Darleen Wilson), with some excellent songs, including the title track, "Justine" and "Rescue Me". The Philo version of this album also includes four tracks taken from Patty's debut, most likely for marketing reasons. As with the first album, I'm Fine is recommended for fans of Larkin's more folky work. (Sherlyn.Koo)
Live in the Square
Release info:
1990—Philo—PH 1136
Availability:
Fairly available in the U.S.
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended for folk fans
Group members:
Patty Larkin: vocals, acoustic guitar
Guest artists:
Richard Gates—bass
Produced by:
Darleen Wilson
Comments:
Live in the Square is a wonderful album, showcasing as it does both Larkin's captivating live performance and her slightly twisted sense of humour. Included here are some hilarious gems unlikely to ever be recorded in the studio, such as "Me", "I'm White" and "At the Mall"; wonderful covers of "The Letter" and Andy Barnes' "The Last Leviathan"; and of course the usual ballads, mostly taken from Patty's earlier albums. I love this album; I don't think there's a weak track here. Highly recommended for all folk fans. (Sherlyn.Koo)
Tango
Release info:
1991—High Street Records—72902 10312-2
Availability:
Available in the U.S.
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended for folk fans
Group members:
Patty Larkin: vocals, acoustic guitar
Guest artists:
Darol Anger—violin
Joseph Brinckmann—accordion
Richard Gates—bass
John Gorka—vocals
Brian MacLeod—drums, percussion
Michael Manring—fretless bass, E-Bow bass
Mike Marshall—mandolin
Lyle Workman—electric guitar
Produced by:
Will Ackerman and Patty Larkin
Comments:
Patty Larkin's High Street debut is another excellent album. The production is a little sparser than on Larkin's first two albums, which works to great effect in bringing her voice and guitar to the forefront. Standout tracks include "Chained to These Lovin' Arms", the title track and the powerful "Metal Drums", a song about toxic waste dumping in Holbrook, Massachusetts. (Sherlyn.Koo)
Angels Running
Release Info:
1993—High Street Records—72902 10318-2
Availability:
Available in the U.S.
Ecto priority:
Recommended for folk fans
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, guitar, mandolin, accordion
Guest artists:
Jonatha Brooke—vocals
Judith Casselberry—vocals
Mary Chapin Carpenter—vocals
Catharine David—vocals
Jaque DuPree—vocals
Richard Gates—bass
Milt Grayson—vocals
Bashiri Johnson—percussion
Curtis King—vocals
John Leventhal—guitar, bazouki, mandolin, keyboards, percussion, vocals
Jennifer Kimball—vocals
Dennis McDermott—drums, percussion
Madeline—vocals
Michael Manring—fretless bass, bass, e-bow
Glen Velez—percussion
Kenny Williams—vocals
Ben Wisch—keyboards
Produced by:
Ben Wisch
Comments:
Angels Running is a slightly erratic effort which assembles Larkin's most impressive backing cast yet. It contains some of the most beautiful ballads Larkin has written to date, including "Good Thing" and "I Told Him That My Dog Wouldn't Run" (with gorgeous backing vocals by Mary Chapin Carpenter). Other standout tracks include the guitar solo "Banish Misfortune / Open Hand" and "Who Holds Your Hand", which features guest vocals by Jennifer Kimball and Jonatha Brooke of The Story. Some of the tracks don't quite seem to gel but overall this is a fairly good album, recommended for people who liked Larkin's previous album Tango. (Sherlyn.Koo)
Strangers World
Release info:
1995—High Street Records—72902 10335-2
Availability:
Available in the U.S.
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended for both folk and ecto fans.
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, electric guitar, acoustic tremolo guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar.
Guest artists:
Jonatha Brooke—vocals
Bruce Cockburn—vocals
Shawn Colvin—vocals
Zev Katz—bass, upright bass, cello
Jennifer Kimball—vocals
John Leventhal—lap steel, 6 string bass, keyboards, electric guitar, bouzouki, bass, percussion, nylon string guitar, piano, mandolin, hand drum, vocals
Shawn Pelton—drums, percussion
Glen Velez—frame drums
Produced by:
John Leventhal and Patty Larkin
Comments:
Strangers World is quite a departure from the folky sound of Larkin's previous albums. With the aid of the multi-talented John Leventhal and with added contributions by Ben Wisch and Pierre Marchand, Larkin's sixth album has more of an ethereal feel than anything else she has done so far (not surprising when you consider Marchand's CV). With guest appearances by Bruce Cockburn, Shawn Colvin, Jonatha Brooke and Jennifer Kimball, the lineup is impressive, and this album certainly does not disappoint. For a change, the songs focus more on hope than on love; the general atmosphere of the album itself is introspective and moody, yet hopeful at the same time. Standout tracks include "Johnny was a Pyro", "Me and This Train" and "Mary Magdalene". Highly recommended, both for folk fans and for ecto fans who are interested in hearing Larkin for the first time. (Sherlyn.Koo)I highly recommend this disc to all, even if you haven't been into her work in the past. (For reference, please note that I sold back her last one, Angels Running—I think that's the only disc I've ever not kept!) Strangers World has a lot more instrumentation. Larkin even plays electric guitar all over the album. "Johnny Was A Pyro" is the best single song of the year, in my opinion—not only does it have great lyrics, but it's got a killer hook that just won't go away. The rest of the album is consistently strong, and the liner notes are a hoot—Larkin subtitles the songs (e.g. "Mary Magdalene": "I think I saw her coming out of the subway"), and thanks a friend "for helping me finally meet Laurie Anderson", which I took as a good sign from the first. :) Did I mention I like this album a lot? :) (meth@smoe.org)
A really good disc, one I'm glad I was able to acquire. Wonderful music. (Matt.Bittner)
I ordered this on ecto recommendation since I have and really like Angels Running and Perishable Fruit. Plus I had a clip of "Johnny Was a Pyro" that I really liked. When I first got the album, I was very disappointed. It seemed pretty bland. I pulled it out the other day to listen to "Johnny..." and decided to give it another chance. I now think it's a very beautiful album, quiet and unobtrusive, but with a way of getting under your skin if you listen well to it and let it. The songs remind me of some of the best stuff on Perishable Fruit and the better songs on Shawn Colvin's A Few Small Repairs. "Johnny" is still my favorite song, but I also really like "Mary Magdalene". (JoAnn Whetsell)
Perishable Fruit
Release info:
1997—High Street Records—72902-10354-2
Availability:
Available in the U.S.
Ecto priority:
Recommended for folk fans
Group Members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, bazouki, national steel, electric slide guitar, acoustic slide guitar, beach guitar
Guest artists:
Bruce Cockburn—backing vocals, acoustic guitar
Gideon Freudmann—cello
Richard Gates—bass, fretless bass
Jennifer Kimball—vocals
Michael Manring—bass, e-bow, 10-string bass, fretless bass
Marc Shulman—tiple, electric guitar
Jane Siberry—backing vocals
Bette Warner—vocals
Alan Williams—vocals
Ben Wittman—percussion
Ben Wisch—vocals
Produced by:
Patty Larkin
Comments:
"Plucked, thumped and sampled on stringed instruments" reads the back of this album. But don't be fooled. Despite the concept (even the percussion was produced by using brushes against steel strings and sticks against guitar bodies), this is not a concept album. Rather, Larkin's music seems to have gained new degrees of freedom—these songs are simply happy to be themselves. Even the simplest song here seems to dictate its own pace—for once the music is ruling the production, not the other way around. The best tracks on this album are the incredibly catchy "Wolf at the Door", a nonsensical groove tune about (I think) an encounter with celebrity; "The Road", a song which perfectly conveys the pace of the highway; and "Brazil", an atmospheric love song. Other excellent tracks include "Coming Up for Air", with breathy guest vocals by Jane Siberry, and the slightly absurd "The Book I'm Not Reading". Overall, this is an excellent album, laid back yet tight in all the right places. Highly recommended. (Sherlyn.Koo)this may be one of the most rhythmically compelling albums i've heard since veda hille's spine. (woj@smoe.org)
I think Perishable Fruit is brilliant, but it doesn't call to me and make me play it very often. Some really fascinating songs, but some misses, too. (meth@smoe.org)
I only knew Patty Larkin from her few songs on the first Bitchin Babes disc, which are fun, but not mind-boggling. Perishable Fruit, on the other hand, is full of some really spectacular stuff. It's so much denser and complex than I expected. This is the album where Patty leaps from being a decent bluesy folk singer to being a clever and imaginative pop singer. (neal)
So everything she does is great, what's the big surprise about Perishable Fruit? You would think that after putting out so many good albums, she would miss the mark eventually, not a chance. Perishable Fruit is an example of what's possible from an artist that is so richly endowed with the characteristics that make for an exceptional singer songwriter. (jsutton@rahul.net)
i like this album a lot but haven't heard much else by her that i liked—the other things i've heard are purer folk. (barbearuh@erols.com)
This was the first of Patty's albums that I got. I just thought the concept was so interesting. I had read how she wanted to do an album without drums (or without percussion or without both, I don't remember exactly) and how she wanted to invite different guest artists (like Jane Siberry, Jennifer Kimball and others) to play and sing with her and use their instruments like percussion. And it's just an absolutely gorgeous album. (JoAnn Whetsell)
a gogo: Live On Tour
Release info:
1999—Vanguard Records—79547-2
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Patty Larkin
Produced by:
Patty Larkin and Bette Warner; Associate Producer Ron Schreier
Comments:
It's really good. I wish she had put in some between song banter though. It's an interesting mix of songs—6 from Angels Running, 4 from Strangers World, and only 2 from Perishable Fruit. And a few others. I don't know why the back catalogue is more prevalent on the album. Still the versions (all solo I think) are energetic and refreshing, and even the songs I don't like that much on the studio albums, I like much better here. (JoAnn Whetsell)Everybody, go get it! (Sherlyn.Koo)
regrooving the dream
Release info:
2000—Vanguard Records—79552-2
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, electric guitar loop, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, octave mandolin, keyboards, accordion, acoustic slide, harmonica, bass, lapsteel, backing vocals
Guest artists:
Ben Wittman—drums, rods, brushes, dumbek, lapsteel percussion
Marc Shulman—electric guitars
Greg Porter—bass
Gideon Freudmann—cello, electric cello
Mike Rivard—acoustic bass, bass
Bette Warner—harmonica
Cercie Miller Quartet—Cercie Miller Alto Sax and special guest Tiger Okoshi Trumpet on "Anyway the Main Thing Is"
John Leventhal—electric guitars, bazouki, lapsteel
Glen Valez—hand drum
Richard Gates—bass
Ghost—electric slide guitar, piano, backing vocals on "Just a Few Words"
Alan Williams—piano
Jennifer Kimball—backing vocals
Produced by:
Patty Larkin and Bette Warner (1 song co-produced by John Leventhal)
Comments:
This album is pretty good—nothing really grabbed me like her last two have, but I think it's going to grow on me pretty quickly. It is complex, lush, and nothing like what she's doing live. (meth@smoe.org)
Red=Luck
Release info:
2003—Vanguard Records—79727-2
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, acoustic, electric, slide, baritone, 12-string & 12-string electric guitars, piano, octave mandolin, accordion, lapsteel percussion, harmonica, backing vocals
Guest artists:
Ben Wittman—loops, drums, drum loops, percussion
Mike Rivard—bass, acoustic bass, sintir
Marc Shulman—electric guitars
Richard Gates—bass
Jeff Lang—slide guitar
John Hickey—electric guitar
Gideon Freudmann—cello
Merrie Amsterburg—trumpet (2, 9), backing vocals (2, 3, 9, 12, 14)
Duke Levine—electric guitars, guitorgan, mandolin, mando guitar
Jennifer Kimball—backing vocals (5, 14)
Willy Porter—backing vocals (7, 14), thumb piano (14)
Jonatha Brooke—backing vocals (9, 10, 14)
Seamus Egan—mandolin (13, 14), low flute (14)
Mick McAuley—button accordion (13, 14)
Winifred Horan—fiddle (13, 14)
Bette Warner—talking (14)
Tim Craven—electric guitar (14)
Produced by:
Patty Larkin, Bette Warner & Ben Wittman
Comments:
If you like Patty's earlier releases, you'll like the songs on Red=Luck, a fresh mix of Patty's brand of folk/rock. If you're into harmonies, you're in for a treat. Patty has lots of guests on backing vocals (and contributes her own too), and they move many of the songs from being merely very good to really memorable. (JoAnn Whetsell)One of my top of 2003. (raven@igc.org)
Watch the Sky
Release info:
2008—Vanguard—79851-2
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Recommended
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals; baribow, acoustic, electric, baritone, bass, acoustic slide, baritone slide, lap steel, slapsteel, National Steel, and nylon string guitars; bass; banjo; bazouki; drum loops; toy organ; door chimes
Produced by:
Patty Larkin
Comments:
I really want to love Patty's new album, her first completely DIY album, ...but I don't. I don't dislike it either, and maybe that's worse. Only because it would at least mean a strong reaction. And because sometimes active dislike translates, with adjustment, into like and even adoration. But Watch the Sky kind of leaves me flat. I love the song "Hallelujah," which I find the most memorable and the only song that demands repeat listening. I like all 3 opening tracks in fact, but after that it just kind of gets flat, and when it's over I don't really remember much about it. When I listen carefully to the whole album I don't really have any complaints, but it just doesn't really do anything for me. In sound it's like some of Red=Luck and Regrooving the Dream (both of which I mostly love) and I also hear the influence of some of the earlier women on the La Guitara album (earlier in terms of history, not album order). I wish I'd seen Patty earlier this year; maybe hearing the songs live would have helped me appreciate the album more. (JoAnn Whetsell)I'm a huge Patty Larkin fan, and am also struggling a little bit with Watch the Sky. I think it's lacking melody. Like she put more energy into crafting the sound than writing the songs. It seems most comparable to Regrooving the Dream in terms of her back catalog. (timjy@sbcglobal.net)
25
Release info:
2010—Road Narrows Records/Signature Sounds Recordings—SIG 2028
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Patty Larkin
Guest artists:
Martin Sexton—guest vocals, whistle (1–1)
Jonatha Brooke—guest vocals, mandolin, toy piano (1–2)
Bruce Cockburn—guest vocals, guitars (1–3)
David Wilcox—guest vocals, ukulele (1–4)
Rosanne Cash—guest vocals (1–5)
Shawn Colvin—guest vocals (1–6)
Jennifer Kimball—guest vocals (1–7)
Lucy Kaplansky—guest vocals (1–8)
Willy Porter—guest vocals, guitars (1–9)
Chris Smither—guest vocals, guitar (1–10)
Cheryl Wheeler—guest vocals (1–11)
Catie Curtis—guest vocals (1–12)
Birdsong at Morning—guest vocals, bass (1–13)
Suzanne Vega—guest vocals (2–1)
Erin McKeown—guest vocals, piano, organ (2–2)
Peter Mulvey—guest vocals, papoose guitar (2–3)
Dar Williams—guest vocals (2–4)
John Gorka—guest vocals (2–5)
Merrie Amsterburg—guest vocals, mandolin, toy piano (2–6)
Mary Chapin Carpenter—guest vocals (2–7)
Janis Ian—guest vocals (2–8)
Greg Brown—guest vocals, guitar (2–9)
Beppe Gambetta—guest vocals, 6- and 12-string guitars (2–10)
The She-las (Sheila Larkin, Catharine David, Merrie Amsterburg, Patty Larkin)—guest vocals (2–11)
Nerissa & Katryna Nields—guest vocals (2–12)
Produced by:
Patty Larkin and 25 Friends; Frank Gallagher (1–7)
Comments:
Instead of releasing a traditional retrospective, Patty decided to celebrate her 25 years in recorded music more creatively, by recording 25 of her songs, love songs, with 25 friends. The songs are gently reworked for the most part, and the result is an intimate record that reveals more with each listen. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Still Green
Release info:
2013—Signature Sounds—SIG 2057
Availability:
Wide
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended
Group members:
Patty Larkin—vocals, guitars, bass, piano, mandolin, octave mandolin, loops, organ, keyboards
Guest artists:
Catherine Bent—cello
Joe McMahon—upright bass
Dave Brophy—drums
Jonatha Brooke—backing vocals (2, 4, 9)
Merrie Amsterburg—backing vocals (3, 5, 10)
Peter Linton—electric guitar (3)
Birdsong at Morning (Alan Williams, Darleen Wilson, Greg Porter)—backing vocals (11)
Greg Porter—bass (11)
Produced by:
Mike Denneen and Patty Larkin
Comments:
I keep trying to describe why I like Patty's new album so much, but having failed, I'll just say that it's a really good folk album with a laidback feel, a bit like Perishable Fruit though not as lush. (JoAnn Whetsell)
Further info:
Patty's songs appear on various compilations, including:
- "Poverty Train" on Time and Love: The Music of Laura Nyro (1997)
- "Everybody's Talkin'" on Bleecker Street: Greenwich Village in the 60's (1999)
- "Have a Little Faith in Me" on Rollin' into Memphis: Songs of John Hiatt (2000)
- "Just Like That" with Dar Williams on Remembering Rachel—Songs of Rachel Bissex (2005)
- "When I Was a Boy" with Dar Williams on her album Many Great Companions (2010)
Live recordings that are only available on compilations include:
- "Chained To These Lovin' Arms" on Big Times in a Small Town: The Vineyard Tapes (1993)
- "Do Not Disturb" on Best of Mountain Stage Live, Vol. 8 (1995)
- "Johnny Was a Pyro" on Live at the Iron Horse Vol. One (1997)
- "Justine" on Folkscene Collection Vol. 2 (1999)
- "Open Arms (Don't Explain)" on Main Stage Live: Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (1999)
- "Beg to Differ" on Philadelphia Folk Festival: 40th Anniversary (2001)
- "Wolf at the Door" on KHUM Blend Volume 1 (2004)
- "The Cranes" on I Heard It on NPR: Singers, Songs & Sessions (2005)
- "Island of Time" on Live at Caffe Lena: Music From America's Legendary Coffeehouse (1967–2013) (2013)
Thanks to Sherlyn Koo and JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
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