2015: I knew from the beginning that it was gonna be a year unlike any other. So many changes and all of them for the better!
When Brian called and asked me if I'd like to join GB Leighton as lead guitar player and band director, the time was right. I had worked with Brian in the studio before so I knew him from that. I have rarely met a person with so much integrity and heart. He takes care of his band and he takes care of his fans. In many ways he's become something like the brother I never had. To be able to play his songs night after night on stage has been a gift. Thank you, Brian.
2015 also saw the release of my first solo album in Swedish! På Svenska started without me thinking that it would become a record, but with the encouragement from my wife and my good friend Peter Jonsson, the songs came quickly. With the help from Ali Gray and Mark Juenemann, I played a sold out show at the American Swedish Institute. In October I got the opportunity to go back to Sweden to play a couple of shows and make a video to support the album. Many thanks to Robert Höglund, Ollie Olson, and Niklas Palmklint for making the whole thing come together. I got to see some people I last saw some 30 years ago!
Being a working musician, you count on the things that will help you get the job done. I have used Sharkfin Sweden AB picks for almost 40 years and getting a sponsorship from them was nothing short of monumental. Their picks are second to none and are a big part of my sound and how I play. Jeri Designs Guitar Straps has been making my guitar straps for ten years now. If you can dream it, Jeri can make it. Thank you for making me look good! I averaged about 20 shows a month this past summer and I could always count on Ernie Ball to keep me in fresh strings and accessories. Good enough for Keith Richards and certainly good enough for me!
As great as 2015 was, none of it would matter if it wasn't for my family. Michelle, Elliott and I make everything a family affair and having their love and support means more than I can say. The babysitting services of Dave and Cynthia, my mother and father in law, saved us on more than one occasion this year! Me and Michelle started as a love affair on the road and remains so to this day. When I see her and Elliott out in the crowd when I'm playing I realize how incredibly lucky I am. Your love is everything. I have seen my share of twists and turns in the music business and having a family that supports you is the most important thing there is. Thank you.
Finally, to all the people that came out to the shows this past year, a big thank you. I hope to see you all again down the road in 2016!
Patrik
Patrik Tanner's Year in Review with GB Leighton