Beth Patterson: Wasted Years

I had the chance of hearing and meeting Beth Patterson when she played Lewisburg, WV in 2008 and 2009. She puts on an excellent show that mixes traditional, original, and borrowed songs for a very enjoyable set.

Of some of the borrowed tunes I’ve heard her do included Emerson, Lake, and Palmer’s “Lucky Man” and a variety of Rush songs. Rush is her favorite band. She does an awesome Geddy Lee impersonation.

Beth Patterson in Lewisburg, WV; February 2008; photo by the author

To my knowledge, I don’t remember hearing her do today’s Traditional Tuesday selection, “Wasted Years.” She terms it as “‘a traditional English ballad’ about loves lost and making the most out of life.”

By the way, today’s “traditional English ballad” is a 1986 Iron Maiden song that hit the top 20 in the UK. It was the first single from their “Somewhere in Time” LP.

The author with Beth Patterson. February 2008. Photo by Jim Kandrach

Beth does a great version of this tune that was recorded at Yo Mama’s in New Orleans. If you ever have a chance to see Beth Patterson live, I suggest you do so as she puts on a great show.