Patrick
Sweany performs a mixture of musical styles, drawing on the traditions
of the Mississippi delta and Northeastern Hill country, the wild
jug band sounds of Memphis, early piedmont and ragtime blues
fingerpicking, the driving boogie of the West Helena, Arkansas
slide guitar tradition, the howl of the early Texas bluesmen,
and a little West Coast Swing and New Orleans R&B. This unique
style was culled from years of careful listening to his father’s
own playing at home and in church, as well as his extensive record
collection of both blues and folk artists. Patrick found in such
diverse artists as Charlie Patton, Fred MacDowell, Lightnin’ Hopkins,
Memphis Slim, Jimmy Witherspoon, Wes Montgomery, and Leadbelly,
a universal element that spoke to him, and would not to be denied.
This multi–faceted artist performs with relentless enthusiasm,
energy, and jaw-dropping showmanship.
The latest CD from the Patrick Sweany Band, henryfordbedroom,
is a startlingly original tour-de-force of roots music. Known
on the American Festival circuit for his intricate, tasteful
acoustic work, impassioned vocals, and highly original songwriting,
he showcases a mostly electric offering with his trio, the Patrick
Sweany Band. This unconventional trio modeled after the late,
great Hounddog Taylor's Houserockers, allows the band a huge
range of dynamic possibilities, from quiet, acoustic sounds,
to hard swinging jump numbers, to overdriven slide guitar boogie,
or full-on rock bombast . With his sophomore release, Patrick
continues to establish himself as a major force in Blues and
roots music.
Patrick
Sweany performs a mixture of musical styles, drawing on the traditions
of the Mississippi delta and Northeastern Hill country, the wild
jug band sounds of Memphis, early piedmont and ragtime blues
fingerpicking, the driving boogie of the West Helena, Arkansas
slide guitar tradition, the howl of the early Texas bluesmen,
and a little West Coast Swing and New Orleans R&B. This unique
style was culled from years of careful listening to his father’s
own playing at home and in church, as well as his extensive record
collection of both blues and folk artists. Patrick found in such
diverse artists as Charlie Patton, Fred MacDowell, Lightnin’ Hopkins,
Memphis Slim, Jimmy Witherspoon, Wes Montgomery, and Leadbelly,
a universal element that spoke to him, and would not to be denied.
This multi–faceted artist performs with relentless enthusiasm,
energy, and jaw-dropping showmanship.