Search - Patti Austin :: Real Me

"When Your Heart's On Fire . . . You Must Realize. . . Smoke

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 11/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Patti Austin, one of the best female vocalists of our time, will beguile your ears with this well-produced CD. How can you not love this CD when she is surrounded by a line-up of great musicians: David Benoit (keyboards/arranger), whom I've watched in a live concert years ago and I was simply impressed with his artistry, Earl Klugh (guitar), Michael Brecker (sax), Michael McDonald (vocals/piano), Paulinho da Costa (percussion), David Pack (vocals/arranger/producer), Marty Paich (arranger), James Ingram and Luther Vandross (vocals), among others.



The stellar music offerings include my all-time favorite standards arranged and performed in mesmerizing smooth jazz style. Ms. Austin will fill your heart with a sense of nostalgia as she sings the most beautiful female vocal versions of Jerome Kern/Otto Harbach's "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," George and Ira Gershwin's "How Long Has This Been Going On?" and Duke Ellington, Irving Mills and Albany Digard's "Mood Indigo." These I believe are the highlights of this remarkable recording.



She will also delight you with her charming interpretations of time-tested classics such as Cole Porter's "True Love," a remarkable duet with David Pack, Edward Heyman/Victor Young's "Love Letters," John Latouche/Jerome Moross' "Lazy Afternoon" and George and Ira Gershwin's "They Can't Take That Away From Me."



Arthur Hamilton's "Cry Me A River" is heartfelt and sincerely executed and features Jon Faddis on a lovely trumpet solo. Patti Austin and David Benoit share the honor in the superb arrangement while Marty Paich is credited as Strings arranger and conductor. This is one of the most sublime interpretations and her inspirational source is derived from Julie London's version from the album "Julie Is Her Name."



"Well, you can cry me a river

Cry me a river

Cause I cried a river over you."



If you love the smooth sound of jazz and appreciate standards as well, then this recording will satisfy your auditory sense to the fullest.



Wholeheartedly recommended.

"

This followed Heat of Heat

Amzn byer | NY | 03/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Patti did a 180 right after she did Gettin' Away With Murder (which had The Heat of Heat and If I Believed and Summer Is The Coldest Time Of Year). At first I thought it was a bad career move...



Until I listened to it. All I wanted was for Patti to be happy and if this made her so then I was too. I am a Patti Austin fan no matter what she does.



"