Renew

I love all of the music that Pat has made over his career. I discovered him through New Grass Revival, but have bought all of his CDs and other albums of which he is a part, since that time! You will love this!

I love all of Pat's music.

Pat Flynn’s solo triology began with a project called "reQuest" in 2004. Then the guitarist/vocalist served up a rollicking "reVision" in 2007 with plenty of eclectic musical intensity and artistry incorporating twenty other players and singers. Now, in 2014, Flynn completes the circle with his latest, “reNew.”Each song is given unique treatment with arrangement, acoustic instrumentation and percussion. Like his previous solo projects, we hear plenty of spicy harmony vocals. Of the eighteen musicians participating, harmonies are sung by Ben Isaacs, Becky Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs, Heather Lawson, Rentto Aguas, Eddie Aguas, Walter Aguas, John Cowan, George Pendergrass, Darrel Scott and Flynn himself. While some of his more pop-flavored (“California Highway” and “Take Me To Forever”) and reggae offerings (“Change Yourself”) are full of instrumentation and vocals, his guitar medley of “Little Rock Getaway” and “I Don’t Love Nobody” is much leaner with only guitar and bass, and dedicated to the memory of Doc Watson. Flynn also provides hot flatpicked guitar on Bob Morris’ “Buckeroo,” and we also hear his mandolin, bass and even some percussion on many tracks.Bluegrassers will remember Flynn’s sojourn with New Grass Revival in the 1980s, but his music in recent decades is far from bluegrass. Darrell Scott’s banjo only finds its way into one cut (a highly-charged pyrotechnic cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire”) that might even sacrifice a little emotion from being pushed too quickly. At the same time, the driving influences and flavors of bluegrass (as well as several other genres) clearly make their appearance in Flynn’s music. Tastes of Dobro, lap steel, fiddle, mandolin, accordion and Irish whistle embellish some of the beautifully-rendered songs. Jim Hoke’s whistle and harmonicas are a pleasure to hear in the “Irish Cowboy Medley: Oh, Susannah / St. Anne’s Reel” that are given a pleasantly lilting treatment.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 about 400 albums, including many award-winners like Randy Travis' "Rise and Shine" and Lee Anne Womack's "I Hope You Dance." He's produced many up-and-coming acts like Cadillac Sky.Like the other albums in the triology, Flynn’s music continues to offer plenty of hustle, steaming vocals, and nimble-fingered instrumental breaks. Flynn closes “reNew” with his rocking 11-minute original entitled “Take Me to Forever.” Throughout his travels, he’s “always following the feeling on any old wind that blows.” Pat Flynn’s redHot music is an exciting musical escapade, an epic and poetic odyssey that provides a joyful ride. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)

Hot pickin’ Pat, formerly of The New Grass Revival and multi time “Best Acoustic Guitarist” in Fret’s magazine poll, steps out here with one of the nicest things my ear has heard in far too long. Like his former band did, when they hit the studio or stage, this album flat-out explodes on the opening track “Kingdom Come.” The energy, soul, musicianship, sparkling production and well-crafted lyrics let you know from the gitgo that you’re in for a great ride. The sequencing, like his songwriting is truly thoughtful. Pat, who grew up on the west coast, lets you cool down just a little on a breezy trip down a “California Highway.” Then, it’s cross country to Deep Gap, North Carolina as he tips his hat to Doc Watson, with a super fine guitar intro to “ Little Rock Getaway” that holds you in anticipation.Midway through, after some song for thought, he plays the prettiest version of “Buckaroo” I’ve ever heard. If you’re not smilin’ after that, it’s too late to call the midwife; call the undertaker. Pat sure knew who to call help him make this gem: Jim Hoke, Rob Ickes, Darrell Scott, Dave Pomeroy and 14 more talented musicians, writers and voices like former NGR bandmate John Cowan all appear here. Their take on Hendrix’s “Fire” is a barn burner that would make Jimi’s fro grow. Mr. Flynn bookends these ten tracks beautifully with the thoughtful “Take Me To Forever” that should light up anyone who has ever toiled away anywhere at anything. The many roads Pat has traveled and learned both his craft and life upon resonate deeply here. _ Ken Spooner