PATTI AUSTIN ~ On The Way To Love

ON THE WAY TO BEING A LIVING LEGEND, MISS PATTI AUSTIN!!! REVIEW

(...)This recording was supposed to mark singer Patti Austin's return to godfather and musical legend Quincy Jones' Qwest Records, where she released four wonderful albums in the 1980s, but, alas, the company finally folded shortly after this album's debut. Producer Paul Brown's glossy touch is on display all over this disc, Austin's first major label release in years, but surprisingly not as refined as the artist's most recent output. That is to say, a mediocre Patti Austin record is far more superior than most so-called singer's best efforts. Whatever is wrong here, it should be stated that it is never Ms Austin at fault. Maybe Mr. Brown's clean production style is just too sharp. Who knows? This CD is still recommended as a great pop, R&B purchase, better than most crap being released today. It is an album (CD)that is as much about R&B and pop as it is about contemporary jazz.

Austin started out with a great voice when she began as a teen recording artist in the 60s. The thing is -- it has only improved with age and each new recording!

It is between "Girlfriend" and the delightfully breezy "What Can I Say?" for the #1 spot as my favorite song on this outing. The first song features a church choir bridge that turns out to be La Austin's sole voice multi-tracked to soulful perfection! "What Can I Say?" is one of the best "starting the day, stretching, singing in the bathroom mirror, having a coffee tunes" ever. Austin is sexy and soft here. Serious students of pop vocals could learn a lot from this one! Siedah Garrett's reflective mid-tempo "On the Way to Love" serves Austin's style well but could just as easily have been recorded by a contemporary Ray Charles (Mr. Ingram if you're reading this ...)Austin gets to the heart of the matter with a very soulful rendering here. "Love's Been Kind to Me Lately" would have been a great single/radio play contender. With great production values and a fine lyric, it is an almost perfect pop song. "Make It Right" could have been a Rufus funk anthem. That group's Tony Maiden plays on the tune and even Ms Chaka Khan herself must be smiling on Patti's great vocal. "If You Really Need Me Now" was my least favorite tune upon first listenings but I have to say, it does really grow on you with its friendly smooth jazz flow and James Ingram's minimalistic vocal hook. "Playin' Around" is perhaps the first song where Ms Austin sings a curse word. (She has said this is something she's always wanted to do on a record!)

"Let Me Be Me" ... Trip hop? A powerful, mid-tempo WOMENS song. Another Grammy worthy performance from Ms Patti. (When will they ever learn?!)"Southern Rain" has a great rhythm and tight vocal, lyrical hook, good message, while "Tell Me Why" is another one that is deceptively simple but grows on the listener with multiple plays. "Love's Been Kind to Me Lately [Unplugged Version]" showcases the elegant beauty of Patti Austin's voice.

For Patti fans, this recording is close to ... but not her best. New fans, this record will become a new favourite.