Earlier this year, New Jersey singer-songwriter Pat Guadagno released an album featuring covers of the artists who led him to discover and keep his passion for music. Anybody that has ever seen Pat live knows two things: the man is one of the best singers in the Garden State and the way he interprets each song, makes every cover his own. Albums sometimes get overlooked, so we are spotlighting a few tunes on his latest album, 1964.
Pat Guadagno's long career has made him somewhat of a folk legend, both in culture and in musical style. A true troubadour in the classical sense, Guadagno has become known both for his original folk compositions and his rousing and spot-on performance style when he covers other artists.
In addition to featuring in the film Warrior Road and Showtime's award-winning Calfornication series, Guadagno is also a musical director on METV's Big Variety Show. Over his career, he's released six albums wherein he collaborated with jazz legend John Tropea and Grammy award winner Keb Mo', performed the National Anthem to a packed football playoff stadium and headlined the Toronto Film Festival.
Guadagno is well recognized in his native Jersey Shore and internationally by guitar magazines for his almost supernatural and mistake-free guitar technique: "From raucous, invigorated strumming to tender finger-picking a showcase of Guadagno’s mastery of the acoustic guitar," said Acoustic Guitar World. His stage presence and unflinching voice has also earned him more accolades and high-profile gigs than his folksy ancestors can shake a proverbial stick at. This folk artist gives the impression, however, that he cares very little for all those accolades, and 1964 is the proof.
Guadagno has always included cover songs in his live sets - some of which his fans prefer to the originals - and it's genuinely because he wants everyone to feel the magic he felt when he first discovered his passion for music.
"I tried to produce this new album, with the innocence of the child who first heard these songs. We listen to music with different ears as we age. Back then the magic came through the speakers without reference or perspective. Songs were unexplained and meant something different to everyone. What we saw, with eyes closed, could never be captured in a video. I included some of the songs that reached me, that year, in ways I could never describe. There is no message or theme here; just an homage to the year magic happened and a musical renaissance ensued," said Guadagno.
Speak to any musician or even anyone who's passionate about music and the feeling Guadagno describes universal: we all know it and we all remember where we were when we first heard that song that hooked us. For Guadagno, it was an entire era, and that's what 1964 is comprised of his own personal golden age. And a good age it was, with songs from legends like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Animals (Leadbelly orig.) and more, Guadagno puts his own practiced spin on each one and makes them his own.
With all the experience and skill he has under his belt, Pat Guadagno still feels and wants to inspire wonder at the gift of music. This beautiful homage will certainly do that while showcasing that experience, skill and style. The New York Times and many others agree: Pat Guadagno is “a well-traveled troubadour with a remarkable repertoire." and 1964 will take fans on "a musical journey, an always unpredictable ride."
Musicians on 1964 include Pat Guadagno- Guitars, Vocals; John Tropea – Guitar; Rob Paparozzi – Harmonica; Mary McCrink -Vocals; Alex Jenkins – ContraBass; and Gary Oleyar – Violin. The album was produced by Pat Guadagno and Phil Ludwig.
Deeply rooted, but not mired in the Historic Jersey Shore music scene, Pat Guadagno has released 6 albums filled with musical surprises including collaborations with Grammy Award winner Keb’ Mo’ Hall of Famer Buck Dharma, Jazz legend John Tropea and Dove Award winner, Steven Delopoulos.
An avid sports fan, Guadagno performs Our National Anthem at ballparks and stadiums across the country. The high point came at an NFL Playoff game before 80,000 fans watched those hated Dallas Cowboys fall to his beloved NY Giants on their way to winning Super Bowl XLVI. the well-traveled troubadour continues to garner high praise and rave reviews as he Headlines events from Canada (the Toronto Film Festival) to Zihuantanejo the Festival de la Guitarra . Winter months, find the self-proclaimed Saloon Singer in the Caribbean, and Key West, entertaining audiences, and annoying golfers in a lifelong struggle to break 100, and the dress code at the finest Golf Courses in the Southern Hemisphere.
