Local country singer Gary Pratt loves to write songs, but he couldn’t pass up “Red Barn,” his latest single which was penned by veteran Nashville writer Jason Patrick Matthews (who has worked with Luke Bryan and Billy Currington).
“It reminded me of the red barn on my great grandfather’s farm,” Pratt said. “The memories, the storytelling, even the Silverado mention — it all hit home. Plus my duet partner Kate Szallar and her husband actually have a red barn and a Silverado. It just felt right.”
The single is from his forthcoming, 11-song album, which has been recorded over the past 18 months with Nashville producer Adam Ernst and engineer Douglas Kasper of Tonic Studios in McKeesport.
Pratt, a native of Slickville, filled TribLive in on what else we should know about his music:
Musician: Gary Pratt
Band members: Gary Pratt (vocals); Kate Szallar (vocals); Keith Taylor (keyboards); Dave Flodine (guitar); Dave Molter (bass); Ryan Lucotch (drums)
Founding story: After writing his first song at 10 and starting his first country band at 16, Pratt has performed in local bands Blue River and C.C. & Company, spending time in Nashville as well. He’s opened for acts such as Dwight Yoakam, Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Milsap and Neal McCoy. His 2021 album, “Something Worth Remembering,” earned awards for Songwriter Of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year from the International Singer/Songwriter’s Association.
For fans of: Drake Milligan, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson
Influences: Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Blake Shelton
Releases: “Something Worth Remembering,” 2021 album.
Next shows: Pratt and Szallar will be performing as a duo throughout the spring and summer: 8 p.m. May 17 at Hillbilly’s in Donegal; 6 p.m. May 29 at the Palace Theatre courtyard kickoff concert in Greensburg. The full band will play at 6 p.m. June 5 at the Jeannette Food Truck Night.
How to find them: More information about the band can be found at his website.
Other Pittsburgh area musicians to check out: Andy Davis, Saddle Up, Ashley Puckett and Katrina Lynn, to name a few.
Favorite pizza shop: Baldy’s in Greenburg
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