Search - Patti Austin :: That Secret Place

Yvette A. from BRONX, NY
Reviewed on 11/18/2006...

very good

Talent sometimes goes unnoticed by the masses!

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 01/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the world of motion pictures, the character performer tends to have a longer career than the so-called "leading man/woman" because the former can become whatever the script requires, providing necessary support. In the music world, there are some artists that never become the star that they should but that does not diminish their talent. They simply become a delicacy to be savored by a select few.

Patti Austin is one of those delicacies. She has had a long career as solo performer and guest artist, never quite gaining the status that she so richly deserves.
1994's "That Secret Place" is the perfect introduction for the uninitiated to the beautiful jewel that is Patti Austin. Backed on several cuts by the likes of Lee Ritenour (guitar), Bob James (piano), Paulinho da Costa (percussion), Greg Philliganes (piano/synthesizer), with string and horn arrangements by Jerry Hey, Austin travels a musical road consisting of jazz, pop, R & B, and shades of a little gospel influence. "Ability to Swing" is a masterly executed mixture, allowing the singer to show her shills as a vocalist and scat singer. The band also gets to "cut loose" in its accompaniment and solo interludes. "Broken Dreams, written by El Debarge (who also does guest vocalist duties), his brother Darell and Tony A. Redio, is about the breakup of a relationship and the possibility of a reconciliation. Both Debarge and Austin play off each other quite well, somewhat reminiscent of Austin's work with James Ingram. Austin successfully covers the "Queen of Soul's" territory on the funky remake of Aretha's classic "Rock Steady".
"Captivated", with its reggae influence allows Austin to show a side not often found on her usual recordings. "Reach" makes the listener want to "jump the pews" while the tune that follows it, "Stars in Your Eyes", is a quiet yet powerful love ballad.The best of all is "Hurry Home", an obvious plead for the hasty return of a long absent lover. This tune shares many qualities with the Oleta Adams' hit "Get Here". Patti Austin has done more in this one album than most of today's chart-toppers can do in several. She is what good music is all about and maybe one day she'll get her much-deserved "props"."

PATTI AUSTIN - - THE RARE SINGER WITH THE ABILITY TO SWING!

Reginald D. Garrard | 07/31/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whereas it's really hard to go wrong with a Patti Austin album this last album of new material from her time with GRP Records is as good as self-titled '84 Qwest Records release as a showcase for her unique gift of embracing any musical genre with depth and conviction. Again it becomes more and more frustrating as the sterling tracks move along and Austin sings with both technical finesse and stylish, knowing reserve. For she has recorded yet another record that SHOULD HAVE BEEN a blockbuster SMASH HIT!Once more she makes it hard to pick favorites, but the Grammy-nominated "Ability to Swing", and the anthemic pop ballad "Somebody Make Me Laugh", along with the kool scat of the title song are enough reason to smile for the overlooked blessing of fine, classic contemporary music. The arrangement on Aretha Franklin's evergreen "Rock Steady" makes you want mo'. Producer Lee Ritenour is obviously in love with old friend Austin's silk! y, powerful voice. He clothes it well all over this outing. "Broken Dreams" (w/ El DeBarge) is soulfully sweet Quiet Storm magic, while "Reach" is funky R&B aided by vocal powerhouses Tata Vega, Phil Perry, and Vesta!"Hurry Home" finds Austin offering up a more raw, seductive plea, and "Stars in Your Eyes" is an emotion-packed, soaring prayer, from a melodic angel.Another desert island CD. KDP"