BIOGRAPHY REVIEWS

Patrick McAloon - Vocals & Guitars Mike Bean - Drums & Vocals Royston Dunn - Guitars, Keyboards, & Mandolin Don Jutras - Bass & Vocals Fresh-eclectic-mature-melodic-magical. These are just a few of the words used to describe angels and ferris wheels, the debut album by Patrick McAloon, a twenty-four-year-old, Providence, RI based singer/songwriter. Released in July 2002, angels and ferris wheels, a full-band electric offering, appeals to a wide audience because of the variety, authenticity, and energy of the songs. Tracks range from rock to blues and folk, all performed with amazing vocal and musical power. Patrick's fan base reflects the eclectic nature of his songs: "When I look out to the crowd, I see loyal fans from ages 15 to 50 and everywhere in between." It is this ability to appeal to a variety of people coupled with Patrick's masterful talent that make his new album and his live shows incredible experiences. Patrick can't remember a time when music wasn't an essential part of his life. "My mother always said that I was singing as soon as I could talk. My dad played guitar, taught me some chords, and I was hooked." Patrick got his first guitar when he was in junior high school, and by the age of 15, he was playing in clubs and had already begun to form what would become the band "dahlia". From 1996 to 1998, "dahlia" was widely embraced throughout the New England region, and during part of this time, Patrick was also attending Boston's Berklee College of Music. With 200 or more shows a year, sometimes three or four shows a week, Patrick found his life as a full-time student in a full-time band challenging but inspiring. After a successful two-and-a-half year stint, "dahlia" came to an end as members decided to pursue their own interests. For Patrick, this split brought about a time of change and growth in both his personal and professional lives. He married his long-time love Robin, and together, they started a family with their beautiful baby Ruby. Meanwhile, Patrick was using his creativity and collaborating with other musicians, especially songwriter and Patrick's musical partner, Don Jutras. Patrick's love of the energy he gets from performing brought him back out to clubs soon enough. "I agreed to play at a local Irish pub, and I saw it as an opportunity to get my feet wet again. We didn't really publicize the gig, but when I got there, the place was packed with old fans of dahlia's and new people who had heard about me through others. The feeling was just amazing." Patrick's musical artistry, both in terms of his vocal range and tone and his masterful guitar work, is what keeps bringing fans back for more. This passion and energy have been captured in the studio as well. His debut album was recorded between February 2001 and June 2002 while Patrick balanced his family life and a full-time job as an art director. "I worked on the album for a few hours after work when I could and on weekends. The album was mainly created in the studio in terms of the arrangements. We had vague ideas of how we wanted the songs to sound, and we let them take shape in the studio. Sometimes I would spend a day banging my head against the wall, but then on other days, everything would just click," says Patrick. Patrick's patience and his collaboration with other musicians definitely paid off. This album is an eclectic and original group of tracks that reflects Patrick's variety of influences that include Counting Crows, Sting, David Gray, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews Band, Sarah McLachlan, Jeff Buckley, Willy Porter, and Aimee Mann. "I like so many different kinds of music. I can listen to almost anything and get excited about it. Inspiration is everywhere." angels and ferris wheels is receiving high praise from fans who have known Patrick's work for years and from those who are just becoming exposed to this young artist's extraordinary talent. With the debut album, Patrick McAloon Band will continue playing in the New England area with some occasional solo performances by Patrick. They are also planning tours that will find them throughout the United States. Patrick's humble, passionate songs interlaced with haunting hooks and mature, socially-conscious lyrics are sure to catch the attention and devotion of many new fans as he begins the next stage in his astounding musical career.

Bob Gulla Providence Phoenix July 18-24, 2003 We're well into summer now and music is everywhere. That's why the summer is so great. It's not the beach; it's not the weather. It's the music. It's riding down the road like a fastback king in your beat-up Vega, windows rolled down and slammin' a great cassette in the dashboard confessional known as your stereo. Feel the breeze. Feel the heat. Patrick McAloon: Angels and Ferris Wheels (www.patrickmcaloon.com) Some promising stuff here from the Providence-based Patrick McAloon, a 24-year-old melodic romantic with designs on writing a disc-full of great American pop songs. Has he done it? Well, no, not yet. I mean, he's only 24. But he still has plenty of worthwhile stuff to sing about and his sound, similar to poignant, literate artists like Paul Simon and Squeeze and, to a lesser degree, Dave Matthews (whom he obviously follows), is well on its way. McAloon is more talented than Matthews - the former Berklee student plays all the instruments (excepting a few guest appearances) - and he produced, recorded, and mixed the album together with partner Don Jutras. So McAloon's no slouch. You can hear it on his fresh picking on "Wireman," his bluesy vocals on "Thief," and his telling lyrics on the soulful "Isaac": "Hidden corners open up / And release me from this bind / I wish it could be that simple / To escape this frame of mind." Read it and say, "Ahhh."