Album Notes

Growing up in the fertile valley of Ukiah, California, Patrick Nagel has shared the stage with local favorites, vocalist/activist Holly Near, blues guitar virtuoso Robben Ford, and highly regarded mandolinist, John Reischman. As this list suggests, he has been influenced by a variety of styles and genres. Drawing upon such influences, Patrick has compiled a song list of original compositions that are folkish at their core, yet reflect those influences.

While working his day job of teaching court appointed high school students for the past 18 years, Patrick searched for an outlet to creatively express his music. Today, as a self-proclaimed folky, it seems he has found that expressive outlet. Recently he took a years leave to pursue that expression. In the summers of 2001/2002, Patrick attended the Rocky Mountain Song School in Colorado, where he worked with such notable songwriters as Steve Seskin, Beth Neilson Chapman, Paul Reiser, and Ellis Paul. Through that experience, his creative efforts were greatly enhanced and this CD, As The Last Leaves Fall has at last found a recorded voice.

The textural warmth of Patrick's acoustic finger picking style was inspired by everyone from Peter, Paul, and Mary, Gordon Lightfoot, and James Taylor to Leo Kottke and Alex DeGrassi. His songs are layered with vocal harmonies, acoustic leads, and stringed accompaniment. His lyrics exhibit a depth of insight and heart only life experience can teach--whether it be the scathing reaction to terrorist attacks in "We Thought We Knew," the haunting expression of denial in "When I Wake," or the smirky, irreverent response to his own spiritual quest in "I Was Searching." There are Irish influences here in "The River St. Vrain," and "The 12th of June;" bluegrass influences in "Bernie's House," (which is graced with John Reischman's stellar mandolin;) folk-blues in "I Was Searching;" and more mainstream folk in "Your Time To Go." Clearly, the listener can look forward to a diverse mix of sounds and emotions.