Three Dog Night in the 90's

We toured extensively through the 1990s, and we had a few road-crew member changes. Losing Ben Farney and Carson Price was a bit like cutting off our legs (paws), because we were very close personally and they did a terrific job for us as well. Ben had some hometown "charting" to do, and Carson's bad football knees were making it impossible for him to keep traveling on the road (as much as this band does), plus he had a great offer from a big sports complex in Phoenix to be the "house sound guy" -- an offer he couldn't refuse.            On September 25, 1996, Greg Baker was hired as stage monitor (mixer), and he was with us until January 1, 1998. Greg's a great guy, and is seen here "bonding" with Paul Kingery after a show one night. We endowed Greg with the name "Space Chunks," and it was NOT because of the Coke in the picture, either. It had something to do with a record projectile of stomach contents over a bar one night. He learned that it only takes one "incident" to get a title with this band. (Nyuk.) Greg went on to work with many other national acts as stage manager, and can be found hammering local stage crew people all across America.        Today Three Dog Night consists of original members Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, Jim Greenspoon, and me, as well as our hole card talents: bass player/singer Paul Kingery and drummer Pat Bautz. You've heard a little about Paul's experiences in the band over the years, and I know you'll enjoy seeing some photos and reading a little about his career in this chapter. First, let's talk about Patrick.

Pat Bautz

In 1993, Pat Bautz joined the band on drums. Pat brought a fresh talent and attitude to the band as well as a wonderfully rock-solid tempo and groove. I have found Pat to have a little of Floyd Sneed in him, a little of Jeffrey Porcaro, and a whole lot of Patrick Bautz; my three favorite drummers wrapped up into one. He makes reference to Bernard Purdee as one of his personal favorites. Besides his great drumming technique, I admire Pat's ability to read charts fluently. For all you young aspiring drummers out there, take note. If you want to work in today's music business--LEARN TO READ. It can make the difference between simply being a bar band player with hopes of making it big some day or one who can still have his dream but have a career as a studio session drummer (a real money-making job!) as well. There are other areas in the television and movie industry to be explored, too (something to think about!).    Pat has turned out to be a multifaceted talent in the band. Behind the scenes he is a real contributor to the technical end of things. It was Pat who first suggested that the band consider using in-ear monitors--small earphones that fit inside your ear--as opposed to using big floor monitor speakers. Quite a change for a band who's been doing it the other way for 30 years. With in-ear monitors the volume of the band is more reasonable, and we can all hear each other without the sound blasting on stage. Pat personally researched and made the recommendation concerning which monitor console we needed in order to handle the band's needs. Together, with production manager Matt Patterson, he developed some clever routing of the audio signals so that all members were happy. Pat continues to be a great source in multiple areas, being willing to go the extra mile to help the band in every way he can.    Okay, now it's time to take a little look at Pat's background. He was born on September 30, 1960. Let's come right out of the shoot with a baby picture just to make him cringe a tad. Check this one out. I can hear you girls going "Ohhhhhh, isn't he darling!" (God! It just makes me want to vomit!) The picture on the right is when he was just 16 years old and posing for a picture in a full marching band uniform at high school.

Pat gives his older brothers credit for making a drummer out of him. His mother said when he was 4 they lived behind the high school, and when the marching band practiced he would march up and down the back yard practicing with them. He first played in public when he was just 5 years old (the little drummer boy at his school Christmas show).    His first "paying gig" was at age 15 with Earl and the Blue Denims at the Moonlight Tavern. His mom gave him a ride to the gig because he wasn't old enough to drive. Pat says, "Earl played guitar and sang, changing the beat around constantly. He kept me on my toes trying to figure out where 'one' was." In school he played in the jazz, concert and marching bands, and was All State Jazz Band drummer (Florida) in 1978. He went to college for a couple of years, and from there he wound up in Houston playing clubs and working in a recording studio. His resume includes working with Mickey Gilley, Freddy Fender, Everett Harp, and Kirk Whalum, just to name a few. He moved to Los Angeles in 1990, and started playing around town. In 1993 he joined Three Dog Night, and has been here ever since. Occasionally, in our off times, Pat has worked with other artists such as Dave Mason, Little Richard, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Tiny Tim, and numerous others.    Pat wanted me to insert this quote, so here it is: "Playing with TDN has been a great experience. One of my favorite nights with the band was Corpus Christi, Texas, at a Harley biker rally. Freddy Fender opened up for us. We were into about our third song, when all of a sudden this horrible stench covered the stage--like week-old rotten meat! Get my drift (no pun intended!)? Every one in the band was totally gassed out. I looked in the first row, and there was this huge biker standing up with this satisfied grin on his face, like he knew he had made his mark!"    So there you have it. When left to his own choices, these are the things that permeate his mind. And because it permeates HIS mind, we get to hear about it every day. A true joy. (When will the blessings ever end?) Below is a great picture of Pat when he was 19 years old playing drums in the jazz band at Brevard Community College.

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