HOLDING PATTERN was formed in 1981 and quickly gained notoriety as one of the best new progressive rock bands hailing from the US at that time. Keying off of the guitar prowess of TONY SPADA, the music was powerful, energetic, and recalled the best of the instrumental prog and fusion bands of the 1970s. Through the release of their debut album, videos, radio air
play and live performances with acts like STEVE MORSE,
KANSAS, RICK WAKEMAN and STEVE HOWE, HOLDING PATTERN built a loyal following of prog rock
fans around the globe.

In 1983 "Mercenary," a new song, was backed with an edited version of "Honor Before Glory" from the debut LP and released as a single. A video was produced that aired on MTV and on shows like "Night Flight."

In 1991 "Majestic" was released. This was the first appearance of the original "Holding Pattern" album on CD, combined with additional material recorded between 1981 and 1990.

HOLDING PATTERN split in 1992. Guitarist/composer Tony Spada formed a new band to support the release of his critically acclaimed solo album "Balance Of Power" which featured a progressive/guitaristic style of music. "Balance Of Power" was enjoyed not only by fans of HOLDING PATTERN, but launched a solo career for Tony to a growing audience in just
about every country.

Tony's next solo album, "The Human Element," was released January 2005, and created a buzz in the prog community. Request for advanced orders hinted at the strong media coverage to come and critics the world over loved the album. Some writers and fans named it "the guitar album of the year." "The Human Element" stretched out in many directions, from classical guitar music to heavy prog-fusion, Celtic and old-style symphonic prog with heavy emphasis on the guitar.

With the elevated interest in Tony's back catalog, HOLDING PATTERN reunited for a tour of Japan. The tour was an unqualified success and a new HOLDING PATTERN album seemed to be the obvious next step.

"Breaking The Silence" is the new reunion album featuring original band members cranking out virtuosic performances over a range of styles. The album also features a live bonus track from their performance at Tokyo’s POSEIDON FESTIVAL 2005 and cover art by GENESIS album artist PAUL WHITEHEAD.

What they're saying about "Breaking The Silence:"

"This is a refreshing instrumental amalgam of sounds that at times evokes Happy The Man, The Dregs, and Genesis - often within the same song! 2007 was not a banner year for progressive rock. In the last days of the year it's nice to see these guys reunite and give the genre a kick in the butt. Highly recommended."
- Ken Golden, The Laser’s Edge

"Superb 2007 release by Connecticut's Holding Pattern. Musically this is even superior to their excellent debut nearly a quarter century earlier! 'Breaking the Silence' is a very symphonic and satisfying instrumental prog album that really delivers the goods. The guitar work of Tony Spada is the highlight but the entire band is quite amazing. But mostly this is a mature and highly original work by seasoned musicians at the height of their creative powers - and Tony's guitarwork on both acoustic & electric is second to none. If you enjoy instrumental progressive rock with beautiful melodies & inventive solos then this
is certainly for you!"
- ZNR

"This is a fabulous album with all the trademarks of a little instrumental masterpiece! Tony Spada delivers. Once again, superb six string play and amazing technique."
- T. Larz

"...this is a really amazing piece of work...a real masterpiece that should please most prog fans. Highly recommended!"
- Fred Trafton, Gibraltar Encyclopedia Of Progressive Rock

----------------

Web:

holdingpatternusa.com

----------------

MP3 Sample: "Out The Other"
from Breaking The Silence

MP3 Sample: "Blaster"
from Breaking The Silence

Check the MUSIC PLAYER PAGE
to hear music samples from other bands.

----------------

Discography:

Holding Pattern:
• Holding Pattern (LP 1981)
• Mercenary (Single 1983)
• Majestic (CD 1991)
• Breaking The Silence (CD 2007)

Tony Spada:
• Balance Of Power (CD 1992)
• The Human Element (CD 2005)

Tony Castellano:
• Fun Size (CD 1997)
• The Red Hour (CD 2001)
• Walking Like Rudy /
Keep Away From Heat (Double CD 2006)

Back To Top



Home / About / Bands / Contact / Local Info
News / Preshow / Support / Tickets / Venue

ProgDay is not responsible for the content on any external links
All art on this website © Michael Bennett, All rights reserved