Pat Gatti | Interview | 1975 Lounge Folk Gold, “Someone​.​.​. Somewhere”

The prodigiously talented singer songwriter Pat Gatti released his one album ‘Someone… Somewhere’ in 1975 to have something to sell to audiences at the nightclubs and cruises where Pat made his living.

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One of the standout tracks, ‘You’re Really Somethin’,’ was recently rediscovered by a new generation courtesy of a touching advert for a new photo app, but the whole album is lounge gold for the sensitive set. Yoga Records will offer soon newly remastered edition of the full album.

“I always try to do any music “different” than the originals”

What was growing up for you like? When did you first get interested in guitar playing?

Pat Gatti: My mother was a very talented lady…in addition to being a published writer, she played the violin in her adolescent years…and she played the guitar and wrote songs. I showed an interest in music since I was eleven years old beginning with (field) drums and guitar lessons. I was in band and orchestra in high school and also a drum and bugle corps.

Would you like to tell us what gigs you saw early on? Did that influence you to pick up guitar and write your own songs?

In my college years I primarily studied Engineering. I also worked in engineering related professions as well. After having a few years of 8 to 5 jobs, I threw all caution-to-the-wind and did my first professional gigs when I was twenty-seven years old. I’d been playing the guitar and writing a few songs since I was fourteen so I was confident in my playing. I then began to sing as well, but the guitar was my main attraction.

Were you part of any bands before releasing solo material?

I was never in a band…I played solo my entire music career. I mainly played cover material…and rarely played my own songs.

What’s the story behind your album? Where did you record it? Where were they recorded and how many copies did you press? Did you send them to any labels or even radio stations?

‘Someone…Somewhere’ was the only record I made…but I recorded much more for my own pleasure…many songs were not on that record. After going into Vinnick Audio (Recording Studio) on many occasions over a one year period, I selected the best vocals and the best instrumentals. When it was time to press the recordings, I decided to put the vocals on one side of the record and the instrumentals on the other.

I only had one or two thousand of the records pressed…with the intention of simply selling them for $5 to anyone who wanted to buy one.

Yes, I sent a few to radio stations and record companies…and never got any response… However, a local radio station played ‘Greensleeves’ during the holiday season.

Did you do a lot of shows as a singer-songwriter? What clubs did you play?

In the early 70’s I could play five nights a week for three months to a year…developing a following and expanding my shows to include comedy as well. I mostly played in fine dining restaurants after the dinner hours.

What was your headspace when writing songs for your ‘Someone… Somewhere’ album?

‘Someone…Somewhere’ was a song I had intended to relate to the many people who had lost a loved one. I had recently lost two of my closest friends…and was feeling very sad and reflective.

Would you share your insight on the albums’ tracks?

‘Someone… Somewhere’
Missing a lost loved-one.

‘Checkin’ Out’
Tired of all of life’s routine…wanting to run-away (together) for a day of fun and romance.

‘Keep These Things for Me’
Scene at a train station…saying final good-byes and reflecting on the shared memories.

‘Are You Ok?’
Time has pasted…but the memories are stirring up some worry…”thinkin’ about you.”

‘You’re Really Somethin”
This song is my very favorite…New romance and overwhelming feelings of love…in the moment.

’16th Century Orient’
This song (instrumental) I think of a wedding…as the bride is walking up the aisle.

‘Greensleeves’
Traditional, however I wanted to mix-it-up like it has never been recorded. I used a classical guitar as a prelude in the beginning…followed by an electric guitar at a bigger pace…and then back to classical for the finish. The birds simply signifies the ladies (referred to in England).

‘Trilogy At Laguna’
These are three short tunes my guitar teacher wrote when he would go to Laguna…sit on the beach…and get his inspiration. He had passed away when I was recording this so I wanted it to be included to always hold his valued memory.

‘Estudio & Obbligato’
This is a familiar Bm study by Fernando Sor with an obbligato written by one of my guitar teacher’s students (I never got his name).

‘Solo Salute to Italy’
 I blended three Italian favorites to end the recordings. My dad was an Italian immigrant when he came to America as a child…I did it for him.

Was there a certain concept behind the album?

Not really…however; one side vocal and the other instrumental was different.

How many copies did you press?

About 1500.

What followed after the album was released?

I performed for years at various venues…from L.A. to Canada

What occupied your life later on?

Eventually I was hired by Harrah’s, Lake Tahoe where I performed six nights a week in the waiting area for the fine dining crown (no comedy).

As I performed, I began to develop a comedic side…and after a few years I was hired by Royal Viking Cruises…and a “Musical Humorist”…doing a 45 min show…a 35min show and an 18 min opener (or) closer with another performer. Each show was done once during a two (or) three week cruise.

I finished my career doing six weeks at sea…and six weeks at Harrah’s…alternating two (or) three times a year.

Are you still playing guitar? Is there any unreleased material?

I play very little now…and have done no further recording.

Which songs are you most proud of?

The songs I’m most proud of are ‘Someone… Somewhere,’ ‘You’re Really Somethin” and ‘Greensleeves’.

What are some of the most important players that influenced your own style and what in particular did they employ in their playing that you liked?

I played nylon string guitar…beginning learning classical technique…However; I performed modern music, novelty songs and flamenco.

Jerry Reed was one of my favorite guitarists…However; my comedy was more the style of Victor Borg

How do you usually approach music making?

I always try to do any music “different” than the originals…employing a classical technique.

Thank you for taking your time. Last word is yours.

The most important thing I learned about performing is, the best are “three dimensional”…one talent is NOT going to have much longevity. ALSO: Learn from others…but NEVER compare.

Klemen Breznikar

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