Jonathan Patrick
Jonathan, an experimental guitarist from Eugene, Oregon, describes his style as “founded in the navigation of impermanence”. Comparisons can be made to the 60’s and 70’s American Primitive movement out of California, yet Jon’s work is a singular and unique take on the genre. Embracing the freedom of play pioneered by American roots music, Jon embraces life’s transitional nature in his compositions, displaying an emotional urgency that adds something fresh to a genre primarily dominated by technicality.
Inheriting an Alvarez classical guitar at the age of 12 from his mom, Jon always sought to convey the same feeling with one guitar that one gets from listening to early Sonic Youth. In 2005 living in San Francisco, Jon saw the original Akron/Family lineup perform their own material as well as back up Michael Gira as Angels of Light. “It was the first time I saw anyone convey the same power and freedom as Sonic Youth with acoustic and hollow body guitars”, Jon recalls. That performance set the course for Jon to spend years woodshedding behind the scenes while playing in numerous bands eventually culminating in the ultra jammy United Waves. After a couple of limited releases on acetate, everyone moved on and Jon became obsessed with minimalist art and solo guitar music.
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PRESS
“I have always had a soft spot for primitive guitar music, John Fahey, and minimal music in general. Jonathan Patrick and @strange_mono have released John’s debut tape “Open Heart”- an exploration of primitive guitar compositions, played live, and captured with a single microphone. The music is rooted in classic folk and big open-tuned chords and chicken picking. Jon’s music is influenced and inspired by the sprawling woodlands that surround Eugene, Oregon where he lives. These 2 songs are both quite different… “Found Work Blues” has more a classic country style plucked-out pattern, while “Open Heart” is more exploratory and chambered. All profits from @strange_mono go to charity- in the case they go to displaced/unhoused folks- so if you like this type of music, I encourage to listen and snag a tape. For fans of a cool stream polluted with microplastics.” – Sims Hardin (u2_is_a_government_drone)
“These tracks sound new and refreshing while providing a proper callback to acoustic classic rock sounds from the 70’s and 80’s.” – The Dungeon In Deep Space