Neil Patton is a pianist/keyboardist/songwriter who combines the artistry of classical and jazz music with the immediate gratification of rock. Influenced by such varying artists as Elton John, Keith Green, David Lanz, Alan Parsons, Peter Gabriel, Kansas, Steve Morse, the Dixie Dregs, Sarah McLachlan, Ellis Paul and 80’s-era Genesis and Yes, Neil’s sound is ever widening in its scope.
Though Neil began formal piano training at the tender age of five, his passion for the instrument erupted in Middle School when he discovered a songbook for his favorite band at the time. His piano teacher grabbed the opportunity and showed how the rock tunes used the same harmonic theory as Bach and Mozart. From then on, music became an obsession, leading to a music degree in college.
Neil later figured out that while he loved music, he hated suitcases, so a career on the road as a “rock star” was out of the question. After becoming the worship arts pastor at his church, Neil began teaching piano privately. However, he has never stopped writing. Releasing a solo CD of original songs in 1998 (Horizon) only whetted his appetite. After taking some time off to start a family, Neil has returned to the studio. Producing CD’s for other local artists has laid the groundwork for Impromptu. More original projects are in the works already covering various styles that could reach a very wide audience.
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