Anthony Plays the Sk1-73/Sk-2/Sk-1/B-3
A Palm Springs, CA native, Anthony Patler was born into a true show business family. He began playing professionally at age 6, fronting a trio with his brothers Kory (age 12) and Greg (age 13), and continuing his career by playing in several popular local bands during his jr. high and high school years.
After graduating, Tony moved to L.A., where he quickly landed his first major recording gig, collaborating with the songwriting hall of famer, Lamont Dozier. In addition to co-writing several songs, he arranged and played drums, bass, guitar and keys on various albums. During the same period, he also co-founded and played with the underground funk band General Caine, recording a number of albums.
In ’84 Tony began touring and recording with Chaka Khan, eventually becoming her music director (when he first played with Alvino Bennett). From this, he went on to record and tour with many well known artists including Michael McDonald, Janet Jackson, Patti Labelle, The Temptations, Was Not Was, George Michael, ABC, Michael Jackson, Rick Astley, Paul Young, Solomon Burke, and Smokey Robinson. Patler’s credits also include film soundtracks and co-writing songs for Janet Jackson, Chaka Khan & LTD, among others.
To Tony’s delight, a recommendation by long time friend Alvino Bennett, led to him joining the Dave Mason Band in May 2009.
