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Few voices in contemporary soul music are as revered as Rahsaan Patterson's, so it comes as no surprise the anticipation with which fans await each release from the über singer/songwriter.
Rahsaan's latest CD, "Wines & Spirits," is likely to both please and surprise listeners with its progressive and genre-crossing leanings.
Easily his most eclectic and diverse album to date, only a pioneering talent like Rahsaan could pull off a CD that's all over the map both musically and vocally. "Wines & Spirits" begins with "Cloud 9," a super funky tune with uncharacteristically minimal vocals, and ends with a brilliant, masterful cover of the Janis Ian classic "Stars."
In between, there are a couple futuristic dance tracks ("Delirium (Comes and Goes)" and "Deliver Me"), a Prince-esque, ultramodern rock cut called "Pitch Black," a hip-hop track complete with emcee, the retro-gospel song "Oh Lord (Take Me Back)," and a few "vintage Rahsaan" midtempo grooves ("Feels Good," "Higher Love," "Stop Breakin' My Heart," and "No Danger") included for good measure.
Those who are looking for an album filled with now-classic Rahsaan tunes like those found on his first two albums may be taken aback at the collection of songs on "Wines and Spirits," which, similar to his third album "After Hours," really has to be listened to and marinated on in order to be fully appreciated. Never one to stick to a formula for crafting songs, Rahsaan's approach to music is clearly all about freedom and innovation, so a repeat of past, albeit popular song offerings, is not an option.
However, if you regard "soul" as invention and authenticity in music, rather than merely a style of music, then Rahsaan Patterson is soul and "Wines & Spirits" is what true artistry sounds like. -Deb Hinds / www.PlanetSoul.com
Artist/Album: Rahsaan Patterson - "Wines & Spirits"
Label: Artistry Music Group
Street Date: September 25, 2007
Rahsaan Patterson on MySpace
About PlanetSoul.com
PlanetSoul.com is dedicated to promoting and profiling talented, primarily independent, soul artists. The site includes interviews, podcasts, a 24/7 Internet radio station (which features new soul, old soul, and rare grooves) monthly features (profiling musicians, producers, club/mix djs, and author/poet/visual artists), blogs, reviews, and more.
Deb Hinds
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