When I first went looking for the music for Rocko, the B-52’s were in my radar. Then Linda Simensky hooked me up with Pat Irwin who was from the Raybeats and also played with the B-52s. We did end up having the B-52’s record the title song, but all of the other music was pure Pat Irwin genius. I think this excerpt from “The Cartoon Music Book” says it best:

“Pat Irwin spent 5 years as the musical director on Rocko, cranking out astonishing musical cues that hold up with the best of Raymond Scott. Leading a six-piece combo, Irwin brought together musicians whose paths would never have crossed otherwise - Trombonist Art Baron used to play with Duke Ellington, while drummer Kevin Norton spent time in the Microscopic Septet and Anthony Braxton’s band. Like the orchestras playing behind various vaudeville acts, Irwin’s band could turn on a dime and swiftly suggest moods and action.”

The amount of time Pat had to create these feats of magic makes his music even more astonishing. I loved working with him. He is truly a master.