NEW CHAUTAUQUA

I'm surprised that this album has not yet been reviewed here. This may be the finest solo recording of the earlier part of Pat's distinguished career. Every song is wonderful and expressive. All the songs are quiet, soothing and contemplative, yet each song has a bright and inventive hook that lures in and engages the listener in almost spellbinding fashion. Pat plays not only picks with his acoustic guitar, but overdubs extensively with acoustic rhythms and subdued electric bass, and does this all with a flawless technical mastery of instruments, integrated into beautiful arrangements.

New Chautauqua had a fresh sound when it was new, and I find that it still retains this freshness; all these years later, I still enjoy returning to this again. It's like putting on those old slippers, it still fits snugly and comfortably every time. One of the few recordings that I liked so much from the vinyl and cassette era that I bought it again on CD, to replace my older worn copies. My only criticism is that it ends too soon (38+ minutes); I could listen to this music for hours. I've tried to rate this 4 stars, to avoid over-inflating my ratings average, but I just can't; it is truly an indispensable recording.

By the way, the word Chautauqua, of American Indian origin, came to be associated with a movement that began in the 1870s on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in western New York state. It was a community gathering of several days that provided lectures on a wide variety of subjects and entertainment such as music, plays and storytelling, with the intent of providing "education and uplift". Many notable celebrities participated over the years, bringing in thousands of people to watch and listen. The Chautauqua became an integral part of the character of communities in America for many years.

Pat chose an appropriate title for this work.

Peace.