Patti+austin

"Havana Candy" was Patti Austin's second solo album and was produced by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen. Stylistically, it's very similar to its predecessor and Patti's passionate and emotive vocals are truly magical and spellbinding on gorgeous ballads like "I Just Want To Know", "Little Baby" and "That's Enough For Me". While not commercially successful, "Havana Candy" is a Patti Austin classic which anyone who loves good music should not miss out on.

Originally issued in 1976, "End Of A Rainbow" was Patti's solo debut album for CTI Records. Although not a commercial success, this album was one of the first ever to be exclusively devoted to the Quiet Storm "sound" that was just-then blossoming. Patti's soulful, tender and at times wistful and melancholic vocals are nothing short of exquisite. Patti wrote all eight tracks herself and CTI boss Creed Taylor obviously spared no expenses in getting the best session players for this cult classic. Now that it's available on CD "End Of A Rainbow" definitely deserves a reappraisal.

Patti’s debut for CTI, END OF A RAINBOW was conceived after she played demos of songs she’d written (but originally never planned to record) for arranger Bill Eaton who in turn played them for his production partner percussionist Ralph MacDonald. After MacDonald let Creed Taylor hear some of the songs, Patti began recording what would become her much-acclaimed debut set for the label which featured eight original Austin compositions including the U.S. R&B charted single, “Say You Love Me” and “Sweet Sadie The Savior” (also recorded by Blood, Sweat & Tears). The 1976 LP (with some of New York’s top session players) became a U.S. Top 40 jazz charted album and is included in its entirety on this SoulMusic Records’ compilation drawn from Patti’s four years with CTI.

Patti’s debut for CTI, END OF A RAINBOW was conceived after she played demos of songs she’d written (but originally never planned to record) for arranger Bill Eaton who in turn played them for his production partner percussionist Ralph MacDonald. After MacDonald let Creed Taylor hear some of the songs, Patti began recording what would become her much-acclaimed debut set for the label which featured eight original Austin compositions including the U.S. R&B charted single, ‘Say You Love Me’ and ‘Sweet Sadie The Savior’ (also recorded by Blood, Sweat & Tears). The 1976 LP (with some of New York’s top session players) became a U.S. Top 40 jazz charted album and is included in its entirety on this SoulMusic Records’ compilation drawn from Patti’s four years with CTI.

Through the years, Austin has inspired songwriters with her talent and classy vocal delivery. Her latest disc, Sound Advice, affords the vocalist an opportunity to choose songs from various composers that deeply touch her in different ways. Austin’s eclectic musical taste on Sound Advice is also a special treat considering the depth of material she has covered through the years. It is only fitting that the veteran vocalist recruited some of her closest musical friends to make this mix of pop standards, classic and modern rock, adult contemporary R&B and folk ballads come alive. This stellar lineup includes Greg Phillinganes, Paul Jackson, Jr., Freddie Washington, John Robinson and Neil Stubenhaus.

Patti Austin, though best-known for the quiet-storm duet "Baby Come to Me" with James Ingram, is one of those rare artists capable of working in a multitude of different genres. While this is a testament to her ability as a lyrical interpreter, it sometimes results in uneven albums. In and Out of Love just about avoids that trap, although there are a couple of moments when she seems to be trying too hard to show all that she can do in the course of one record.

In 1934, 17-year-old Ella Fitzgerald took the stage at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater on Amateur Night, winning first prize and launching an extraordinary, decade-spanning career. Ella 100: Live at the Apollo! was recorded during the 2016 tribute concert at the Apollo, honoring the First Lady of Song's 100th birthday & commemorating the discovery of her talent. Features vocalists Patti Austin with David Alan Grier, Lizz Wright, Cassandra Wilson, Ledisi, The Count Basie Orchestra and more.

CTI was having its troubles financially at the time. They recycled arrangements for all their artists and limited their budgets. Austin sang this undistinguished material with as much conviction as she could muster, but the general pallid air lingering over the production also affected her vocals.