STREET OF DREAMS . . .AUSTIN EMBRACES OLD & NEW WITH CLASS!!
06/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Trademark diversity in place, Patti Austin, vocalist extraordinaire starts set off with a generous re-thinking of the otherwise bland "The Look of Love". (Bacharach and David never had it soooo good!) She even helps breathe some life into the old standard "Street of Dreams", the title cut, but when "A Candle" (new song) takes off it is clear that we have yet another Patti Austin treat for the old mixed tape. Singer, words, melody, and production are well-matched on this tune . . . music so good . . . ! When Austin sings "Someone To Watch Over Me" it makes the listener long for an entire Austin-Gershwin recording, so sweet the marriage of melody and voice. Leave it to Austin to remind us so stylishly why "I Only Have Eyes For You" is a standard. Colour Me Badd lend harmonies! "For Once in My Life" takes on a new face with an uptempo, funky arrangment that soars into a scat menage sweeter than any so-called "jazz vocals" I've heard so far this year! When Patti sings the much-recorded "Calling You", walls come down, curtains pull back, a new layer revealed . . . the desperation of the lyric becomes a siren song to lost loves. Could "Waiting For You" be the singer's most subtly poignant vocals ever? "Beautiful" seems even an understatement when describing the wonders at work on this gem, and don't be fooled by the laid-back approach on Boz Scaggs' "Look What You've Done To Me". Several plays later you'll be getting something new from the song each time, just like this great Patti Austin album, respecting the old by blessing it anew! KDP"
WHAT A GEM....AGAIN.
nikos@hotmail.com | SINGAPORE - Asia | 02/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Firstly the album is "Street of Dreams" not Story of Dreams. On this album Patti is on an easy going jazz style and she does it with style and ease. With her multi facet of great singing styles she comes straight to the heart on "waiting for you" one could just drift into the emotions she delivers. the opening track "The look of love" abacharach composition, here it is transformed to greater heights with Patti's style. Hey! am sure even those who are not yet a Patti fan will soon follow on with this great album. Will the radio stations finally give Patti the air-play and recognition she deserves."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
