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Exclusive Interview with Pat Newman/by Pat Boyette

Pat Newman was around when it all started!

He was a frequent flyer at Mama Jo's studio.

Pat was there while the 1st 3 LP's were recorded!

Pat is an "avid fan" and graciously agreed to share

some of his "gems"!

....Enjoy!

1. Pat, thank you for agreeing to talk to the Traveller's about your "experiences" with Ambrosia. For openers give us a little background on who you are.

I was married to Freddie Piro's niece (Annie Caputo).That is how I met the band.I was there when Freddie first opened the studio.

2. Was Mama Jo's built primarily for christian artists?

Yes. Freddie was a born again christian. He brought in Chuck Girard, Love Song, & Andre Crouch, They all got their start there.

3. So how did Ambrosia fit into this?

I don't know. It was odd that Freddie picked them out. I'm not sure who came to who.

4. What was your 1st Ambrosia show?

Disney Land 1974.

5. Any funny memories?

Yeah-When Ambrosia toured with the Beach Boys in '75. Everyone was backstage & the boys started a food fight. All of the sudden Mike Love walked in the door. Somebody slammed him in the face with a pie! He was pissed!

6. When was the last time you saw them perform?

I saw them at Texas Station & Arizona Charlie's last year. Gail Pack was there. I had brought my daughter & her husband to see the show. I had to leave, but Gail insisted on bringing my family backstage!

7. What is your favorite memory from back then?

Going to all the great shows! I had backstage passes. I use to love stopping by Mama Jo's after a long shift and being able to walk in on a session at all different hours. I liked relaxing there. 

8. How well do you know the guys?

Casually. Dave used to be my neighbor on Roscoe Blvd. Joe & I use to talk sports. I never really talked to Chris that much. He had that persona. He wore all black & mirror sunglasses. Chris is a brilliant man. The only one I still talk to is Burleigh.

9. Do you remember Harvey?

Sure. Mama Jo's had 3 cabins on the property.Harvey lived in one of the cabins. Harvey did auto body repair. He was'nt that good at it. Just enough to get by.

10. Remember that line in "Harvey"-"My front brain would not accept my thinker"?

Yes- Harvey said that. That is his voice on the song. He use to carry a rock around with him all the time. He called it his "front brain". He carried it until he died.

11. So, you lived in "The House"?

Yeah, in Sun Valley. Not when the band was there. It was another Piro property. Dave & Gail lived there when they were first married. Then Burleigh & his wife lived there. There was a cabin out back that Burleigh used to practice in. I moved in when he left. Boy, were the neighbors relieved! (I would have loved it!)

12. What do you think about Tin Drum?

I love them! The Real World CD is one of my favorite cd's! I encourage anyone out there to add it to their collection!

13. What is your favorite Ambrosia project?

The 1st LP is my favorite. After that "180".

14. What are your favorite songs?

Heart To Heart! I remember seeing Joe do it acoustically so many times. Drink of Water is my next favorite! I love Joe's songs.

15. So, how about the "Freddie question"?

I know Freddie screwed over people, Ambrosia included. He sold the catalogue in Japan. His reasoning was that Ambrosia "owed him" & Rubicon (his music publishing company) for all that he did for them. His wife (Marianne) refused to talk to people who still associated with any of the band members. That came to include me.

Joe, Bill Pfordresher, Freddie Piro, Dave, Burleigh, & Chris.

16. Do you ever miss the "good old days"?

Oh Yeah! Just being a part of the whole psuedo-Ambrosia family was so special! I will never forget it.

17. What is the story behind Rock 'N a Hard Place?

It was to be a song for the movie "Every WHich Way But Loose". Jeremy Kronsberg wrote the screen play. He also helped write the song with Joe & Dave. I remember the day that Dave & Joe auditioned the song for Clint Eastwood. Too bad he went with a country soundtrack (Which I know Ambrosia could have provided)

18. Is there anything you would like to say to Ambrosia?

I wish them the best of luck! I've been a fan since day one. I wish the best for ALL of you!

19. Is there anything you want to say to the fans?

Thanks for staying loyal!

Thank you Pat for sharing with the fellow Travellers!

I enjoyed doing the interview! Thank you!

for any personal correspondance with Pat Newman, email him at [email protected]

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