March 2005 Guitarist of the Month

PATTI B.
of the duo Billie and Patti

Interview for GAY GUITARISTS WORLDWIDE

by Robert Urban

What brand/model/year instrument(s) do you record and play out with?

Patti: I play a Sigma (Martin Copy) Acoustic for live gigs. I used it and a Larrivee on the CD "Love and other four letter words" I Play a 1983 Fender USA made P-Bass.

What brand/model/year amps and effects do you use?

I run the acoustic through the board, 8 channel Macke. For larger gigs so far PA has been provided so I go direct.I am playing with a cry baby wah wah. For bass I use a Harte 3500 (350 Watts) with four almicones for small rooms and add a two 15 custom speaker cabinet for large halls/festivals.

Any special/favorite instrument tones/effects/approaches/techniques you used/discovered in recording and/or performance that you really like?

That damn Melissa Ferrick thumping thang I haven't figured out yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who are your main influences as an instrumentalist? Which artists? Which bands? Which artists/bands were your favorites in your youth?

I liked the whole Motown package as a child. Signing alongand dancing with my mom.Once I started playing though it was Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zepplin and the Allman Brothers.Then I found AC/DC and Aerosmith! I am a Steven Tyler nut.

How many different kinds of stringed/fretted instruments do you play? (e.g. - guitars, banjos, mandolins, basses, etc.) Do you play any other instruments?

Just guitar and bass

Do you play/compose/record only your own original music?

yes

Is there a particular favorite solo or part you played on a recording, or a certain piece of composed music you wrote, that you feel represents your finest work?

Not Yet!

Do you do any other work in music - e.g. teaching, recording session work, hired gun, producing, etc?

Not much lately.(Note to self Hmmm lets think about why)

Does your playing appear on recordings of any other artists?

I played bass for MIndy Simmons on one of her CD's

Any special thoughts on your instrument, and what it's meant to you in your life?

It is my safe place and the place I find comfort!

Can you relate any special feelings or experiences about being a glbt player in the mostly straight music world... especially regarding your formative/learning years on your instrument?

Stay in the closet way too long thinking that it would ruin my career to come out. I 've been open for ten or so years and I love it!!!

For a glbt player - how does the overall music scene differ today from years ago?

There is much more acceptance today!

Any advice for young glbt players?

Be yourself!!!! You have that option. I don't feel like I did in my youth.

What are your current and future musical projects?

What are your current and future musical projects? We hired a PR firm and well that work out as well as we had planned.
We were hoping for a little more national attention for our lastest CD. Then touring to support that.
Right now we are looking at what to do about that.

 

Visit www.billiandpatti.com for more info

Read the CD Review

BILLI & PATTI - “love and other 4 letter words”

Review by Robert Urban, URBAN PRODUCTIONS, NYC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music, Theater & Arts Articles, Reviews and Interviews by Robert Urban published at:

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