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Reviews of reVision

SINGOUT! Magazine (Vol 51 #4 – Winter 2008)

If you are among the legions of fans whothought Pat Flynn was outta sight as guitaristwith New Grass Revival twenty yearsago, check him out now. reVision reinforcesFlynn’s gift for knowing how to pick aneclectic, yet connected, set of material ...and just the right studio musicians to pullit all together.

A consummate artist, Flynn coaxes his fingers to fly with elegant confidence over

his six-string. His vocals demonstrate commandingdelivery and, coupled with his playing,are often reminiscent of Clapton, particularlyon such rockin’ blues numbers asLedbetter’s “National Defense Blues,”where Jim Hoke blows us away with hardcoreharmonica. Ditto when it comes to handlingDylan’s “Highway 61.”

reVision seamlessly weaves Flynn’s guitarwork in and out of subdued, as well as

fifth-gear rock sensibilities, high-end bluegrassand country. Experience “All AlongThe Watchtower” à la New Grass Revival,complete with former bandmate John Cowanon bass, banjo phenom Noam Pikelny andfiddle whiz Luke Bulla.

Cowan also contributes harmony vocals,including on “This Heart Of Mine,” revivedfrom the NGR catalog, and on a Flynnoriginal, “Better Let It Go Now,” packedwith signature drive.

“Father Time,” written with Tim May, isa sensitively constructed heartbreak song

that would serve a country star well torecord. May’s “King Of Babylon” offers a

dose of newgrass gospel, with assistance onbacking vocals from The Isaacs.

Steve Goodman’s classic, “Looking ForTrouble,” is a renewed treasure in Flynn’shands (and voice). In a nod to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Flynn gives us Jim Ibbotson’sbreezy “Sarah In The Summer.” But the albumhighlight is “Wayfaring Stranger,” anexquisite, full-bodied tapestry.

Pat Flynn is the music man. reVision isjam-packed with incredible talent and drive,worthy of an arena stage. — SPL

((c)2007 Sing Out! All rights reserved, Used by permission.)

THEPROGFILES.COM

Pat Flynn, the former New Grass Revival singer/songwriter, released his second solo album titled “reVision” in March 2007. Like his first solo album “reQuest”, it is not possible to put this album in any category. He is traveling through folk, country and blues, bringing old and new sounds together in a professional way. The first thing to notice on this album is Flynn’s vocals. He sounds bluesier than ever. The second thing is the diversity of instruments used: percussions, dobro, harmonica, accordion, concertina, flute and whistles along with the primary instruments of bluegrass. The difference in genres becomes very clear in songs like “Better Let It Go Now” that brings back memories from the 50’s rock and roll with a touch of swing; “National Defense Blues” that takes you to the 60’s blues era with harmonicas; “Father Time”, a nice slow folk song written by Flynn and Tim May that catches you with the harmonies and “King of Babylon”, again written by Tim May, a Gospel tune with amazing harmony vocals.

However, there are more treats on this album for the listener. Flynn, who is a big Bob Dylan fan, covers two of his songs. The opening song is “All Along The Watchtower” on which his old band mate John Cowan joins him on bass guitar. There are also two other names here whose styles are very distinctive: Luke Bulla on fiddle and Noam Pikelny on banjo. You will recognize these two musicians formerly from The John Cowan Band. Flynn’s vocals especially are a real treat to the ear. Having these progressive bluegrass legends come in for their parts really liven it up. The song starts slow with Bulla’s fiddle and Pat’s guitar, and then takes off with Pikelny’s banjo. The second Dylan cover is “Highway 61”.

“Wayfaring Stranger” is another song that will hit the listeners with the harmony vocals and different instruments. This song was performed over the years by many musicians; however, Flynn’s approach to it is a little different. It will take you from folk to ambient in just seconds and end up Celtic with the flutes, whistles and percussions.

Every New Grass Revival fan will without a doubt recognize “This Heart of Mine” written by Steven F. Brines and Jim Smoak, because it was performed by the band on their “Fly Through The Country” album. John Cowan’s harmony vocals will surely take the fans back to those days. The addition of Luke Bulla on fiddle and Noam Pikelny on banjo creates the perfect combination on the album. Flynn kindly dedicates the song to the New Grass Revival past and present.

If you think Flynn will stop experimenting with different genres on just one album, you are in for a nice surprise. Because, one of the most interesting tunes on this CD is “I Want To Know”. It stands alone genre wise, with the feel of Latin Pop-Jazz, another song written by Flynn on which he plays not just guitar but mandolin as well. You just have to listen carefully to hear it in the background. Another remarkable instrument used here is concertina, especially on the second part.

A tribute to late Steve Goodman who passed away from leukemia in 1984 comes with the 9th song “Looking for Trouble”, originally written by Goodman as a folk/blues tune but became even bluesier with Pat Flynn’s interpretation; kind of like the late 60’s and 70’s blues. Flynn’s singing fits perfectly with the lyrics: a man who’s seen it all. Especially pay attention to the part where he says: “your throat gets dry”.

Overall, this is a great album coming from one of the pioneers of the progressive bluegrass music. It blends contemporary and traditional sounds as well as different genres and instruments. Flynn’s vocals and the outstanding harmonies from 9 different musicians are very moving. His interpretations of the covers and new takes on his old songs should not be missed. You will not even feel like skipping a single song while listening to this CD. From beginning to end, everything is done professionally. Pat Flynn wrote great songs during his days with the New Grass Revival, and in his solo career today he shows us he still has a lot more to offer. Definitely can’t wait to hear the next album of this trilogy.

You can purchase both of Pat’s solo albums through this web site: ECHOTUNES

Hande BURDG

Rating:

JOE ROSS

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 orwhistles are always pleasures to hear in Americana music like “WayfaringStranger,” “I Want to Know,” and “Sarah in the Summer.” Standout harmonyvocals 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 Stranger” and two of Pat’s originals (IWant 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
manyup-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 red hot. 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)

Pat Flynn bio, Page 1