Beth PattersonCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Celtic/mainstream pop/Cajun hybrid Status:Most recent release, Senzorga (EP as ZoüKeys, 2017); most recent release under own name, "A Shot in the Dark" (single, 2017); most recent full-length release, Forward (2013) See also:Beth Patterson's site Comparisons:If I could think of somebody else who can create and sing hybrid Celtic-Cajun songs, I might be able to find an apt comparison. Perhaps if Stevie Nicks sang Celtic music this is what she'd sound like. But there's nobody under the sun like Beth Patterson. Patterson has overwhelming talent, and it shows in her two CDs, Hybrid Vigor and Take Some Fire. It's not just the mix of genres that makes Patterson's CDs so compelling, but the exotic, melodic, sultry, forceful, slightly edgy and certainly mysterious quality of her voice combined with a refreshingly unique and original lyrics that make you want to listen to these CDs over and over again. (billonline@adlerbooks.com) Covers/own material:Own General comments:When you put on a Beth Patterson CD, you're in for a genuine treat. For one thing, you've never heard anybody like her before—such originality and creativity is what music lovers lust for. Hearing her brand of Celtic-Cajun-Hybrid-Pop is like being introduced to chocolate-covered strawberries—whoever invented that combination made the lives of millions of people better. Comments about live performance:High energy isn't quite sufficient as a description. Neither is melodic, vibrant, dazzling, though her performances are all those things. The best way to put it is if you have a chance to see Beth Patterson perform live, do it! You'll see the bouzouki in the hands of a master. Getting a chance to see Beth Patterson perform might be a good excuse to take a trip to New Orleans: Beth Patterson's local stomping ground is O'Flaherty's Irish Channel Pub in that historic city. (billonline@adlerbooks.com) Recommended first album:There are two paths you can take when trying to figure out which Beth Patterson CD to buy. You can purchase one of her solo CDs (the most recent, Take Some Fire is arguably not only Beth Patterson's best, but one of the best pop, Celtic or hybrid CDs of the year). Both Hybrid Vigor and Take Some Fire are enthralling mixes of Celtic and Cajun music (with other stuff thrown in.) Recordings:
Hybrid VigorRelease info:1999—Little Blue Men Records, 504-469-5322 Availability:See website Ecto priority:Recommended if you like, or think you might like, Celtic-Cajun music. Or just like good music period. Group members:Beth Patterson—lead and harmony vocals, bouzouki, mandolin, bass guitar, bombo, caixixi, ashiko, zills, rhumba box, whip, handclaps Guest artists:Clare Fitzpatrick—fiddle Produced by:Beth Patterson Comments:This CD was recorded in River Ridge, Louisiana and Ventry, Ireland. Take Some FireRelease info:2002 Availability:See website Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Beth Patterson—lead and backing vocals, 8 and 10 string Irish bouzoukis, slap bouzouki, charrango, bombo, ashiko, oboe, rhumba box, windchimes, song pod, zills, whip shakers, doumbek, bass, cymbals Guest artists:Makgathi Mokwena, Ron Keller, Tony Serio, Errol di Bona, Justin Murphy, Peter Holsapple Produced by:Ron Keller Comments:What a triumph this CD is. One of the defining criteria for Ectophiles is that we like musicians who can touch all our senses with their music—and that's what Beth Patterson does on Take Some Fire. Thanks to Bill Adler for work on this entry.
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