PAT SMILLIE - "HEART IN A HEADLOCK" (SINGLE)
  • HEART IN A HEADLOCK
  • HEART IN A HEADLOCK
    Genre: Blues
    MP3 (03:06) [7.09 MB]
Press

PAT SMILLIE releases NEW album "LAST CHANCE" (Spring 2021)
PAT SMILLIE - "LAST CHANCE" (Fat Bank Music, 2021)
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With “LAST CHANCE” (Fat Bank Music), Detroit-born songwriter Pat Smillie, has delivered an album built upon his open vision of soul, blues, and American roots music. The album showcases his ability to traverse a variety of genres including rock, blues, and soul, in a manner that is reminiscent of his earliest influences including Joe Cocker, Otis Redding, Delbert McClinton, and Detroit’s iconic soul rocker, Mitch Ryder. In addition, the album contains some of the strongest compositions of Smillie’s career - highlighting his gift for storytelling across an array of musical backdrops, including classic 50s - 60s r&b, early Detroit rock & roll, West side Chicago blues, and soul-kissed Americana.

Produced by Motor City Josh (a.k.a. Josh Ford) and Pat Smillie, “LAST CHANCE” is an album whose charms reveal themselves over repeated listenings. It’s a rare document that captures the artist in creative bloom. Written and recorded entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, these songs are the glorious result of time well spent. PLAY THIS ALBUM LOUD & OFTEN!

“HEART IN A HEADLOCK” is a brass-driven, Motown-inspired thumper that features Keith Kaminski (saxophones) and Walter White (trumpet). At just over 3 minutes in duration, the song sounds as if it could have been written for The Four Tops. “SOMETHING ON MY HEART” is a mid-tempo ballad reminiscent of Otis Clay’s early 70’s tenure on Hi Records. The primary difference being that the song’s warm Memphis-style backbeat eventually slips into an extended, jazz-inflected groove with pianist Evan Mercer and guitarist Johnny Rhoades trading licks as the track fades. Beautiful. “BROKE DOWN CHEVY #2” is a slow-rolling, low-down, funky blues that features legendary Detroit guitarist Jim McCarty (of The Detroit Wheels and CACTUS). At age 75, McCarty proves that he can still peel the paint off the walls. Smillie’s lyrics, as always, are laced with good humor. “LAST CHANCE” features Motor City Josh on slide guitar and a syncopated New Orleans groove. It’s a nod to the late Lowell George of Little Feat. The lyric tells the story of a desperate man trying hard to hold on to a love that has long since left the building. “JOSEPHINE” is a swampy, atmospheric piece, full of mystery. Smillie’s lyric sets up the narrative but leaves the storyline open to interpretation. Long-time backing vocalists Tina Howell and Ashley Stevenson bring their talents to the mix. “DRINKIN’ & DRUGGIN’” is a ****-kickin’ slab of rock & roll detailing Smillie’s long road to hard-won sobriety. Jason Bone and Brendon Linsley (both members of Smillie’s touring band) are featured on guitars. “NAE NAE (MONTH OF SUNDAYS)” is a Wilson Pickett-inspired rocker that opens with a strong backbeat from drummer Todd Glass and a funky bassline from bassist Chris Smith. The energy is infectious and undeniable! Finally, on the closer “ALL THE WAY IN MY CORNER” echoes of the late Ray Charles can be heard in Smillie’s vocal. When he sings “She’s the cream, and the sugar, and the coffee in my cup. She’s the ONLY reason I’m still waking up”, he’s acknowledging that her love is at the cornerstone of his life. It’s REAL!


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PAT SMILLIE releases NEW single "Broke Down Chevy #2" (feat. Jim McCarty)
PRESS RELEASE - NOVEMBER 2020

BROKE DOWN CHEVY #2
PAT SMILLIE (featuring Jim McCarty)
ISRC: usl4r2058362 / UPC: 195448764987

Detroit singer/songwriter, PAT SMILLIE, issues funky, slow-burning, BLUES single featuring legendary Motor City guitarist, JIM McCARTY!


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Throughout the 1960’s - 70’s, Jim McCarty co-founded and served as the lead guitarist of 3 highly influential rock & roll bands: Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, CACTUS, and The Rockets! Over the years, he has also recorded with iconic artists including Bob Seger, Buddy Miles, and Jimi Hendrix. Now, at age 75, Jim McCarty’s guitar work on Broke Down Chevy #2 proves that he can still peel the paint off the walls!

Soul shouter, Pat Smillie, spent over 20 years performing on the Chicago blues scene before moving back to his hometown of Detroit, MI in 2015. He is a two time Detroit Music Award (DMA) nominee. Broke Down Chevy #2 is the lead single from his forthcoming album “LAST CHANCE” (due out Spring 2021), and his first new music since 2019’s critically-acclaimed “LONESOME FOR A LONG TIME”.

The NEW digital single, Broke Down Chevy #2, is scheduled to drop on Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2020). The track will be available for download and/or streaming on all major digital music platforms including: Amazon, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and many others.

Broke Down Chevy #2 was co-written and co-produced by Pat Smillie and Josh Ford (a.k.a. “Motor City Josh”). Recorded and mixed at Sound Shop Studios (in Macomb, MI). Mastered by Jim Kissling.

MUSICIANS:
Pat Smillie - lead vocals / Jim McCarty - lead guitar / Johnny Rhoades - guitars
Evan Mercer - keyboards / Chris Smith - bass guitar / Todd Glass - drums
Tina Howell - backing vocals / Ashley Stevenson - backing vocals

www.patsmillie.com


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  • Members:
  • Sounds Like:
    SMY-LEE
  • Influences:
    Motown, Stax, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Mitch Ryder, Bob Seger, Chuck Berry
  • AirPlay Direct Member Since:
    10/29/20
  • Profile Last Updated:
    08/15/23 15:59:19

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