New Age Music

The song "New Age Music" by the Pat Travers Band from their 1981 album Radio Active stands out as a unique track in the band's discography, reflecting a shift in their sound. Unlike the heavy guitar-driven blues rock that defined much of their earlier work, this song incorporates a stronger emphasis on keyboards, giving it a distinctive, almost progressive edge. The track, credited to Roger Lewis, Ian Lewis, Jacob Miller, and Bernard Harvey alongside Pat Travers, showcases a collaborative spirit, blending the band's hard rock roots with a more experimental vibe. Fans on platforms like Reddit have noted the album's departure from Travers' signature style, with some praising the bold move while others longed for the raw energy of tracks like "Snortin' Whiskey." Despite its innovative approach, Radio Active struggled commercially, barely cracking the Top 40, which led to Polydor dropping Travers from their roster shortly after.

Trivia surrounding "New Age Music" highlights its recording context. The album was laid down at Bee Jay Recording Studios in Orlando, Florida, between October 1980 and February 1981, a period of transition for the band. Key members Pat Thrall and Tommy Aldridge had already departed, leaving Travers and longtime bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling to rebuild with drummer Sandy Gennaro. This lineup change likely influenced the album's keyboard-heavy direction, as Travers sought to reinvent the band's sound. A 1981 live performance of the song, captured on the album Live In Concert - April 30th, 1981, available through Bandcamp, showcases the band's energy during this era, with Travers' guitar work still shining despite the new sonic palette. Social media posts from fans on Facebook often cite this period as a testament to Travers' willingness to take risks, even if it meant alienating some of his core audience.

Pat Travers, born Patrick Henry Travers on April 12, 1954, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by a life-changing Jimi Hendrix performance he witnessed in Ottawa at age 12. Picking up the guitar shortly after, Travers was playing in local bands by his teens, including the Music Machine, Red Hot, and Merge, which gigged around Quebec's club circuit. His raw talent caught the eye of rock artist Ronnie Hawkins, who invited the young guitarist to tour with him, giving Travers crucial early experience. By his early twenties, Travers relocated to London, armed with a Marshall amp and a demo that landed him a deal with Polydor Records. His self-titled debut album, released in 1976, featured bassist Peter "Mars" Cowling and marked the start of his rise in the rock scene, with a sound heavily influenced by Hendrix and other blues-rock pioneers.

Travers' career took off with albums like Live! Go for What You Know, which hit the U.S. Top 40, and the radio hit "Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)," cementing his reputation as a guitar hero. His early work, often featuring his iconic 1964/65 Gibson Melody Maker, resonated with fans who dubbed themselves "Hammer Heads." Despite commercial challenges in the late 1980s, Travers maintained a loyal following through relentless touring and releases like 1992's Blues Tracks. His official website, pattravers.com, offers tour dates and news, while social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X keep fans updated on his latest projects. Fan communities thrive on platforms like Facebook groups dedicated to the Pat Travers Band, where "Zoo Freaks" and "Hammer Heads" share memories and celebrate his enduring legacy.