Pat Ferguson really sucked me in with his first full-length solo album, “Light of Day/Dark of Night,” just based on the music. It’s a blend of folk, country, Americana, bluegrass, even 1970's pop, that I’d stack next to favorites of mine like Neil Young, Simon and Garfunkel, and Gram Parsons.

When I got a chance to talk with Ferguson about the album, what it took to get it made, who helped him make it and the story that it tells, it hit me that “Light of Day/Dark of Night” is not just great music. It’s a deeply meaningful and artistic masterpiece. - La Crosse Tribune (Randy Erickson)

Musically the Smokin’ Bandits offer few glimpses of what was to come for Ferguson, who has developed into a fine acoustic guitar finger-stylist and a songwriter capable of reaching into the depths of both despair and gratitude to fuel his inspiration. But the world is currently busting at the seams with sensitive New Folk singers brandishing wooden guitars, both male and female, as the economics of music in combination with technological advances continue to move artists toward simpler means of expression, both in recording and performance realms. With such proliferation Ferguson was able to break through by developing expansive arrangement techniques, transforming standard singer-songwriter fare into mini-epics, and by capitalizing on his history with his producer Adam Greuel and with Chad Staehly.

There is plenty of beauty permeating Light of Day / Dark of Night. With emotional directness Ferguson is able to stand out in the crowded field of modern folk contemporaries. His inventive approach to the guitar and to his arranging are able to set him apart. Though he’s a seasoned professional, this is a strong solo debut, one that bears the hallmarks of a truly gifted songwriter and of more good things to come. - Local Sounds Magazine (Rick Tvedt)

With musicians coast to coast dipping their toes in American Roots music and dosing the airwaves with an onslaught of hipsters sporting acoustic guitars and crooning out their fractured melodies it can be arduous to find an artist who digs deeper into their being to pull out something greater than a whimsical tune played at the local coffee chain. Pat Ferguson (The Smokin’ Bandits) is that rare light shining through the darkness of generic Americano. The Wisconsin based performer has emerged as a renowned and nationally recognized solo artist and released this first full-length solo effort, “Light of Day/Dark of Night” on LoHi Records and it is brilliant. - Honest Tune Magazine (Amber Jennings)

In a town brimming with gifted folk rock artists, Ferguson’s new songs show him to be the current leader of the pack. - Isthmus Magazine (Andy Moore)

Each week Release Day Picks profiles new LPs and EPs Team JamBase will be checking out on release day Friday. This week we highlight new albums by Willie Nelson, Dr. Dog, Okkervil River, Nolatet, Janelle Monae and Pat Ferguson. Read on for more insight into the records we have all queued up to spin. - JamBase

He isn't new to the music scene, but Pat Ferguson has a new feeling about it. "There are exciting things happening right now for the groups coming out of Madison. Really exciting times around here," Ferguson says.

And his own timing may be contributing to the excitement, as he is on the road promoting his first solo album, "Light of Day / Dark of Night," after touring with a band for years. Pat also has a regular Wednesday night residency at HotelRED in Madison, which he says has helped fuel much of the material on the new album. Pat will be releasing the album for the first time at a show on April 27 at the Stoughton Opera House, and took time to answer our questions about this new stage of his career, and how he's always been connected to music. - Maximum Ink Music Magazine (Teri Barr)

Madison, Wisconsin-based singer-songwriter Pat Ferguson will issue his debut album Light Of Day / Dark Of Night on April 27 via LoHi Records. The solo release features several special guests, including Yonder Mountain String Band mandolin player Jacob Jolliff on the single “The Night / The Temptress.” - JamBase

Originally making waves as a founding member and lead guitarist for longtime Midwest music scene staple, The Smokin' Bandits, Pat Ferguson has emerged as a renowned and nationally recognized solo performer, songwriter, and vocalist. His sound channels Americana, bluegrass, and folk, deeply influenced by his Upper Mississippi River musical roots.

Based in Madison, WI, Pat has announced the release of his first full-length solo effort, Light of Day / Dark of Night, due out 4/27/18 on LoHi Records. Produced by Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Light of Day / Dark of Night is a record that paints the picture of retrospect and builds an appreciation for what it means to ride the highest of highs or lowest of lows, while longing with admiration for the other. The album showcases a collection of original music that combines gorgeous instrumentation, stirring harmonies, and powerful songwriting rooted in his core influences.

Featuring guest contributions from the likes of Jacob Jolliff (Yonder Mountain String Band), Kyle Keegan (Ben Howard & Mandolin Orange), Kenny Leiser (Wheelhouse), Chad Staehly (Hard Working Americans & Great American Taxi), Sarah Vos (Dead Horses), and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Light of Day / Dark of Night is a pure representation of the power of musical collaboration, chronicling a journey that will speak to music lovers of all genres and generations. Pat will be on tour the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2018 performing solo and also with his band, The Sundown Sound, in support of the record. - Grateful Web

Madison-based, nationally recognized roots musician, Pat Ferguson, celebrates the release of his first solo album Light of Day / Dark of Night with the Stoughton Opera House on Friday, April 27, at 7:30 pm. The founding member and lead guitarist for Smokin’ Bandits took to his own with a fifteen year solo career that had him touring and performing with world-class musicians, Country Music and Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famers, and Grammy Award winners. Produced by Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Light of Day/ Dark of Night shines a light on Ferguson’s years of collaboration as the album features a host of names familiar to those ingratiated with the Americana scene: Jacob Jolliff (Yonder Mountain String Band), Kyle Keegan (Ben Howard), Kenny Leiser (Wheelhouse), Chad Staehly (Hard Working Americans & Great American Taxi), Sarah Vos (Dead Horses), and Horseshoes & Hand Grenades. Pat Ferguson and his friends are bound to make this album release show a good old fashioned party! - ISTHMUS