The Scotsman Mike Patto founded Timebox together with Ollie Halsall (g), Clive Griffiths (b), John Halsey (dr) and Chris Holmes (keyb) in London in 1966. After a few unsuccessful singles Chris Holmes left the band. And Timebox became Patto. They were a fantastic live band who brought their brilliant musicality to the stage. This attracted the attention of several record companies. As a result, they signed a record deal with the progressive Vertigo label. Their eponymous debut album, produced by Muff Winwood (Steve Winwood's older brother), contains an exciting mix of complex, progressive heavy rock with touches of jazz and blues. Although their debut album was criminally underrated at the time of its release in 1970, they continued to be in demand as a live band and recorded a second album in 1971.
However, their debut album sold poorly at the time and is now as a UK original in high demand worldwide.
