Pit er Pat is Rob Doran (bass, vocals), Fay Davis-Jeffers (keyboards, vocals) and Butchy Fuego (drums, vocals). Originally calling themselves Blackbirds, the group began as a backing band for a singer/songwriter. After playing a handful of small shows in Chicago, the guitarist/singer abruptly decided to move to New York, leaving the threesome to quickly write a set for a show that was already booked.

There was something striking about the dynamic of the sound the three of them made, something unusually compelling about this rhythm section. Without the singer/guitarist, this sound allowed the space to be heard. They wrote a handful of instrumental, rhythm heavy songs, and decided to continue onward since the audience and band both seemed to be pleased with their work. Thus, Pit er Pat was formed. The name was chosen after seeing the words "pit er pat" written in a painting by the Chicago artist, Jim Nutt (responsible for the infamous Hairy Who movement).

Prior to Shakey, Pit er Pat released the Emergency EP on Overcoat Recordings during the winter of 2004. This signaled the arrival of singing in their music, which has since become very important. A 12" of additional material was released by Born and Raised on Sugar Disks as well. Shakey was recorded over six days at Key Club Recording Company, a studio just outside of Chicago on Lake Michigan, and mixed over five days at Soma Studios, both with Griffin Rodriguez and the band. The basic tracks were recorded live and came together in a few days, leaving Pit er Pat time to utilize the studio as an instrument, adding dense yet subtle coloration to the arrangements. Shakey's album artwork was created specifically for this record by their friend Jon Widman.

Aside from a few dates in the Midwest with Tortoise in early 2004, Pit er Pat have not played many shows outside of Chicago. To those fortunate enough to have seen them (they have a large draw in Chicago), Pit er Pat are a compelling presence. Fans compare various aspects of their music to The Raincoats, early Soft Machine, Slap Happy and Blonde Redhead. The end result is a constant propelling of rhythm and melody steeped in innumerable influences and emotions. Like the Hairy Who movement the band so admires, Pit er Pat can be described as an expressive work of fantastic adventure -- compelling, arousing and mysterious.

Past events

• Fri 06 Apr at London The Luminaire. (post review)
• Thu 05 Apr at Liverpool Open Eye Gallery. (post review)
• Wed 04 Apr at Leeds Brudenell Social Club. (post review)
• Tue 03 Apr at Manchester The Klondyke club. (post review)
• Mon 02 Apr at Newcastle upon Tyne The Cumberland Arms. (post review)
• Sun 01 Apr at Glasgow 13th Note Cafe. (post review)
• Sat 31 Mar at Aberdeen Tunnels. (post review)
• Fri 30 Mar at Carlisle The Brickyard. (post review)
• Thu 29 Mar at Leicester Basement. (post review)
• Wed 28 Mar at Exeter Cavern. (post review)
• Sat 17 Mar at Paris Le Batofar. (post review)
• Thu 08 Sep at London Brixton The Windmill. 1 review (read/post)

News

• 08/10/2007: Thrill Jockey celebrates 15th with covers record
• 06/09/2006: Pit er Pat's Pyramids gets October release date
• 02/09/2005: New sounds from the way out: Pit er Pat tour, release EP

Links

• Thrill Jockey - Label HQ

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