Patrick Ames is a very busy guy. During the pandemic, when most of us were watching reruns, he created The Virtualistics, a band that has still never met.
Forced to collaborate virtually, although not that unusual for musicians, takes on a totally different vibe when you can’t actually leave your house, just like everything this past year. But our collective need to keep creating drives us to keep connecting and pushing communication boundaries and Patrick Ames is no exception.
This eight-track album is more Napa Valley music from an extremely prolific musician with a very curious mind and a penchant for exploring musically just about anything that’s pops into it. And that seems to be a lot!
Gorgeously produced, with his signature live studio feel, which is curious given that everything on this album is recoded remotely, “The Virtualistics” feels like an homage to his comrades in arms.
To call the album after his band is just cool beyond words, isn’t it?
Patrick Ames is at his heart a storyteller. A writer, publisher, a grower of grapes, each song on this album a glimpse of his heart’s passions. Told with funk, blues, rock, pop and soul, these are songs about life. The lies, the loss, the love and the hope and even miracle of replicating human molecules.
“The Virtualistics” is a reflection of this past pandemic year, with songs like “Essential Workers” and “Second Wave,” and a great way to commemorate how this year has changed us all.
Socials:
Team:
Patrick Ames: rhythm guitars, vocals
Jon Ireson: bass, lead guitars, keyboards, production
Chana Matthews: vocals
Mikaela Matthews: vocals
Recorded May 2020 – May 2021
Produced by Jon Ireson
Mixed and mastered by Jon Ireson