Search - Rahsaan Patterson :: Rahsaan Patterson

Have You Guys Fired Geoffrey Himes Yet?

T. Borden | San Diego, California United States | 03/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rahsaan Patterson is one of those truly gifted individuals that comes along every once in a while. I got the jump on this brother when a friend of mine over at MCA records dropped the CD on me in a promo box, and after listening to it, I was hooked. I do not hear Stevie Wonder's influence overtly displayed on the tracks, This is not Glenn Lewis, this is just self expression, laid out at it's finest. I own seven copies of this CD, and six of "Love in Stereo", and I have bought copies for family and friends to turn them on to this brother's music. His career is a classic example fo artist mismanagemnet - He should be a superstar by all accounts, but I guess he didn't have a gimick the label could sell, he wasn't thug enough or commercial enough. I plan on making a baby one of these days to songs like "One More Night" and "I don't Wanna Lose It", but I am not in a rush. I am awaiting the third release from Rahsaan. Keep it coming brother!"

Timeless Classic

DC Music Diva | Washington, DC | 08/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I repurchased this cd to replace one that got 'borrowed' by a friend a few years ago. And, then the other day I found myself yearing for a few of the songs and realized, my CD was gone. It's been years since this CD came out, but the songs are timeless! It's a fine example of Rahsaan's ability and versatility as an artist. His melodic voice and truth in lyric are outstanding. The hooks are catchy, but not syrupy. Overall, it's a real feel-good pick and a must have for all contemporary R&B listeners!"

RAHSAAN PATTERSON - A MUSICAL BREATH OF FRESH AIR!

Kirk Douglas Provo | Halifax, NS, and Toronto, ON, CANADA | 05/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""RAHSAAN PATTERSON" (MCA Records) Review by Kirk Douglas Provo
kprovo@hotmail.com Consider the recent debut releases from Eric Benet, Kenny Lattimore, and Eryka Badu and you will soon realize that R&B is returning to good quality music of the ilk that touches the heart and Soul. Add young Rahsaan Patterson to this very short list as an exciting new performer with not only a voice - but something to say. Oh, and how he articulates! This self-titled premiere recording is one of the most satisfying music releases in recent memory. The record showcases Patterson as a vocalist with quite an impressive depth of emotion as well as technical range. While he often sounds like Stevie Wonder, at times he brings to mind traces of what a less-excited Chaka Khan might sound like after a gender switch! This is no minor accomplishment. On the writing end, Patterson's collaborations exhibit the thoughtfulness of a disciplined artist. The fourteen selections here indicate a willingness to hone his craft, taking the time with his work, carefully going over the fruit of his labour with a fine tooth comb before exposing it. One thing for certain: Rahsaan really knows his music. This album is nothing if not diverse. One moment we hear a funky old school jam and the next, it is onward to acoustic balladry of the Tracy Chapman/Eric Clapton brand. Tunes like the beautiful "Where You Are" can be deceptively simple upon first listen. Here, a stripped-down production approach makes room for Patterson's stunning vocal presentation. The artist is able to wrap his considerable voice over and around a pretty melody line, a difficult feat for many - one perfected by the late great jazz singer Sarah Vaughan. The skill does not stop here, though. Like Wonder at his creative best, Patterson knows how to enhance a song by adding subtle vocal flavor! s, never underestimating the role of the background vocal. On "Stop By" he comes through full force, countering Keith Crouch's bass-heavy instrumental arrangement with playful phrasing and an urgent wail that re-enforce the lyric's romantic plea. With a classic violin intro, suggesting the grand preludes of the Gershwin era, "Can We Wait A Minute" is just as tender as the title would imply. Though, finally, soft melodic tones gradually build to an intense rhythmic groove on the outro. It should come as no surprise that Patterson's biggest claim to fame thus far has been having his songs recorded by the likes of Tevin Campbell, as they share similar vocal styles. However, Patterson's take is uniquely his own. The poignant serenade of "Spend The Night" is rather effective. The edge of the lead vocal brilliantly plays-off the lushness of Patterson's multi-tracked background voices. A less well-intentioned artist would have made this a routine "Freak Me"/ "Wild Thing" funk-jam about carnal pleasures, but he knows better. Of the afore-mentioned influences, Patterson sounds most Stevie-like on "So Fine", the standout "My Sweetheart" and "Stay Awhile". Though at times the fine-line of his oral sensibilities suggest a commonality in the singing styles of Stevie and Chaka that would otherwise be overlooked by the listener. The introspective, moody, "Tears Ago", shows Patterson's ease at singing material written by others, while "Soul Free", flows with ample assistance from Billy Preston's signature organ playing. It is hard to play favorites as the whole package is a splendid achievement. Hopefully, this album will serve as the first in a long line of great releases from Patterson. As at 25 February, 1998 (Revised May 20, 2004)"